In today’s digital world, Hackersjack is providing cyber safety courses to help parents keep young people safe as they face online dangers.
Our children face a different set of challenges that our generation never imagined when we were young — from identity theft and online predators to malicious software and inappropriate content. Unfortunately, traditional education often leaves kids without the skills or cybersecurity practices they need for real-life online safety.
I remember when our oldest son was just 2 years old, he always was drawn to our old desktop computer. I knew when he was just a little guy that computer something was in his future. What I didn’t realize was that monitoring and patrolling computers and devices would become nearly a full time job as he and our other kids entered elementary and upper grades.
If I shared all our stories in here about different kids, you’d probably be horrified. Despite using all manner of software, physically removing devices, adding layers of password protection and regularly talking about online dangers, we did have kids who managed to encounter all kinds of garbage online. In addition, we had sons who were preyed upon by people who threatened them and tried to blackmail them. I’m so thankful that all the conversations we had kicked in and they came to us when they were in trouble.
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Our oldest, who did become a software developer, has become a great champion of cyber security and helping his younger siblings stay safe online. He doesn’t blame us for our ignorance, as we really did try to protect him, but there is a real mindset of “Let’s Do This Better.”
I think anyone who has made mistakes wants to save the people they care about from making the same ones over again.
I know our experience was not unique…the tools to protect kids have been very limited up until now. But thankfully there are some pioneers who have stepped up to the plate to help not only protect kids but also TEACH them what pitfalls to look for online!
Hackersjack is an online platform that isn’t just trying to block the bad stuff, it exists to teach our kids what to look for so they can keep them selves safe and make wise choices online.
Table of Contents
What Is Hackersjack?
Hackersjack is an online cyber safety education platform created by a concerned father who also happens to be a renowned technologist, futurist, and community leader. His goal is to protect young people from the growing list of cyber safety threats in today’s digital world.
The program combines expert cybersecurity practices with engaging, age-appropriate lessons to help kids develop real-world internet safety skills. Every grade level gets access to more than 100 short, high-impact video lessons covering everything from creating strong passwords and spotting suspicious links to understanding malicious actors and preventing unauthorized access to online accounts.
Hackersjack lessons are designed to protect a child’s personal data, such as their social security number, phone number, and email address, while also teaching them how to avoid harmful content, inappropriate content, and unsafe chat rooms. Kids also learn how to use multi-factor authentication, antivirus software, and software updates to stay safe on mobile devices, cell phones, smart TVs, and even while using public Wi-Fi in public places.
By combining the expertise of the private sector with guidance from law enforcement agencies, the federal government, and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, Hackersjack provides a trusted, practical path for families to protect their kids in a connected world.
Benefits of Hackersjack for Kids and Families
Hackersjack goes beyond simply teaching children to “be careful” online. It equips them with practical skills and habits that become second nature, helping them stay safe whether they’re at home, school, or on the go.
It is designed to be an easy, grade level appropriate solution that scales with your kids. In just a few minutes a day, they can learn new things about keeping themselves safe online and about how to interact well with the people they meet in classes, while gaming or on social media.
While this course is designed to be used independently with kids watching videos on their own, I think it is MUCH better when a parent takes the time to watch the videos with their kids.
The purpose of these modules is to teach critical thinking and help our kids make wise choices and since the videos are only a few minutes each, its a great way connect with your kids and have those weird random conversations you might not normally have!
What Kids Learn in Hackersjack
When my son started using Hackersjack, he said, “Wow, this is cool. It IS actually helpful.” Bob takes lots of classes online and enjoys making friends…everywhere. I had him start with the module on Cyberbullying because it isn’t something we’ve really talked about with him and he hasn’t really encountered it…yet. Within just a minute of watching, he was able to connect the dots..very cool!
For kids, Hackersjack builds confidence and independence in the digital world.
They learn:
- How to recognize and avoid online predators, scams, and cyber criminals
- Ways to safeguard their personal information, including social security numbers, phone numbers, and email addresses
- Why it’s important to double check links, avoid suspicious emails, and never share sensitive data in public places or through instant messaging
- Best practices for social media safety and responsible online behavior
- How to protect online accounts with strong passwords, password managers, multi-factor authentication, and regular software updates
Why Parents Like Me Want Hackersjack
As I shared before, from the time our kids were young, we have done everything we knew how to do to keep our kids safe online. We usually succeeded but sometimes we failed.
As parents, we all want to keep our kids “safe” physically. We tell them not to run in the road, not to talk to strangers and to be kind to their friends. But cyber space is the wild west and the strangers are in your living room inside that device in your kid’s hands. How can you protect them from strangers when you don’t know they are there.
This requires a different approach…one where your kids don’t invite the strangers in because they have been educated about how the online world works.
The statistics are alarming:
- 37% of kids experience cyberbullying
- 1 in 7 are contacted by an online predator
- Millions have their personal data and sensitive information exposed each year
Here is the thing…as a parent…I LOVE my kids…to the moon and back. But at the same time, it is impossible to have eyes everywhere at once. I tell my kids we need to be on the same team…wanting the same things. And one of the ways that happens is by helping them know things they just don’t know yet.
Hackersjack is a great tool to help kids get on the same team as their parents!
Give Your Child the Digital Armor They Need
From recognizing online predators, to navigating cyber bullying and making friends online, Hackersjack equips kids with the skills to navigate the internet safely. It’s a great way to prepare them with critical life skills they can use right now but also ones that will help them well into adulthood!
Don’t wait for a cyber incident to happen. Take an active role in your child’s internet safety today.
Sarah McCubbin and her husband and 9 kids live in Ohio. She loves talking about all kinds of education topics and is passionate about helping families find the best education options in each season! After being very socially awkward growing up, she now loves to help families teach life skills, social skills and leadership to their kids!
Connect With Sarah:
Schooling Year By Year Facebook Group
Facebook Page
Instagram @ten_minute_momentum
PallasCenter.com