5 super resources to encourage your child’s interest in tech
Welcome to Threat Intel’s #WednesdayWisdom column, a weekly read to help improve your cybersecurity knowledge and keep you informed on important developments.
An article published online this week by a Liverpool newspaper titled “Signs your child is a computer hacker” raised some eyebrows.
Primarily because it listed some fairly innocuous things as potential signs that you could be parenting a mini hacker. These included: your child spending most of their free time alone with their computer, their teachers saying they have a keen interest in computers, and them having multiple email addresses.
Rather than worrying about some of this generally fairly innocent behavior, parents whose children show an interest in computing and IT might be better off pointing them in the direction of some resources to help hone this interest.
Children and adults wanting to test out their cybersecurity smarts should try Symantec’s Stay Secure Online portal, where you can take part in interactive games to test your online security knowledge.
There are many resources both online and in the real world dedicated to encouraging children’s interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths). We rounded up a few.
Great groups
CoderDojo
Founded in Ireland in 2011, CoderDojo is now a global phenomenon with more than 1,100 ‘Dojos’ in 63 countries. Open to kids aged 7 to 17, CoderDojo is a network of free, volunteer-led, community-based programming clubs for young people. Dojo participants can learn to code, build websites, create apps and games, and generally explore technology in a relaxed environment.
Black Girls Code
Black Girls Code was founded by Kimberly Bryant in 2011 and aims to increase the number of women of color in the digital space by empowering girls aged 7 to 17 to become innovators and leaders in STEM fields through exposure to computer science and technology. Black Girls Code has chapters throughout the US and aims to train one million young women by 2040.
Active online
There are heaps of online resources out there to help kids learn more about technology, coding, and STEM in general.
Many have practical games and exercises kids can participate in to learn about STEM subjects and gain new skills.
Made with Code by Google
Made with Code has an aim of encouraging girls to pursue careers in computer science, but all children (and even adults if they want) can do the various exercises on the website. There are various projects suitable for beginner up to intermediate level coders.
Scratch
Scratch is a programming language and an online community that allows children to program and share interactive media such as stories, games, and animations. A great introduction to coding, Scratch is primarily designed for 8 to 16 year-olds, though obviously people of all ages can take part in it.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy provides an array of courses to introduce kids to computer programming and computer science, and is another great way to introduce kids to these various concepts.
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