My journey to creating HackHeroes came from my career in crisis management, education, and counselling. But more importantly, my experience of being a dad.
Seeing my kids dive into the digital world made me realise how much the internet is like the Wild West - full of risks but no sheriff in town. That got me thinking, what can I do to make the digital space safer for both my children and others out there?
That's scary, right? I knew I had to do something. Not just as a dad who wants to protect his kids but for all parents who feel out of their depth with this tech stuff. Given both my observations at home and my expertise in crisis management, creating a tailored program for parents was a natural response. Enter HackHeroes - my answer. It's a practical way to give parents real tools and straightforward advice to help keep their kids safe online, with no tech genius required.
We created our platform to be super user-friendly. It breaks down everything into simple steps so that any parent - no matter how much they know about tech - can jump in and make a difference. It’s about giving parents the tools they need to be the hero in their kid’s digital adventures.
Creating HackHeroes was our way of throwing a lifeline to parents struggling to keep up with their kids’ online lives and turning the tide on cyberbullying by empowering families with knowledge and practical solutions.
Since each child is unique, the plan crafted by HackHeroes is specifically tailored to her activities, social circle, and personal details shared via a survey by her parent.
First, the parent fills out a detailed survey on HackHeroes’ web app. This covers everything from the teen’s online habits (like using TikTok daily) to personal factors (such as mental health and family dynamics) and even specifics about her social environment. This info feeds into HackHeroes’ proprietary algorithm which assesses the likelihood and potential impact of various online risks specific to her.
The resulting plan includes 20 easy-to-implement recommendations that align with her specific situation. These recommendations are not just generic advice; they’re custom-fit based on the answers given, ensuring they’re highly relevant and actionable.
She can share a new app or digital tool she’s found with the family, turning her online time into a learning experience for everyone.
Regular breaks from all digital devices for the family, helping balance her online and offline life.
A guided session with a parent to Google her name and see the kind of digital footprint she’s leaving. This can be a real eye-opener.
Spend an afternoon reviewing her social media for regrettable content, reinforcing thoughtful online interactions.
Each can be added to the parent’s Google Calendar with just a click, making scheduling and reminders effortless. Plus, each recommendation is supported by additional resources like conversation starters, privacy-setting guides, and engaging stories or activities that drive the lessons home.
.png)
“HackHeroes is a brilliant and much-needed resource in the space of cyber safety and online bullying.”
“This is such a great idea that facilitates bi-directionality in the relationship!”
“I love that the ‘stickiness’ of storytelling has been woven to educate our children on how to be street smart in cyberspace.”