5 Easy Ways in Teaching Kids to Save Money from an Early Age

In today’s digital age, social media is part of everyday life — even for children. Many kids have social media accounts before they even reach their teenage years, whether to play games, watch videos, or stay in touch with friends. But not all platforms are safe or appropriate. There are several social media platforms children should avoid due to the high risks they pose to their safety and psychological development. Why Should Children’s Access to Social Media Be Limited? Children are still in the process of developing cognitive and emotional maturity. They often don’t fully understand privacy boundaries, long-term consequences of online posts, or how to handle harmful digital interactions. Without proper supervision, children can be exposed to inappropriate content, online predators, cyberbullying, and even social media addiction. That’s why parents need to be aware of the social media platforms children should avoid, and replace them with safer, age-appropriate alternatives. List of Social Media Platforms Children Should Avoid Here are several platforms that are not recommended for children, especially without parental supervision: TikTok (without child restrictions)While TikTok offers “Family Pairing” and “Restricted Mode,” the reality is that explicit content, dangerous challenges, and toxic comments are still easily accessible. The platform’s algorithm quickly delivers viral content, some of which may not be suitable for kids. X (formerly Twitter)X is an open platform where anyone can post opinions and information, often without filters. Harmful content, hate speech, and misinformation are rampant. The DM (Direct Message) feature also allows strangers to contact users directly — a big risk for children. DiscordInitially created for gaming communities, Discord has expanded into all kinds of chat servers. Many are public and unmoderated, making it easy for children to encounter inappropriate language, adult content, or strangers with bad intentions. InstagramInstagram often pressures kids to focus on appearance, popularity, and curated lifestyles. Its comment and DM features can become avenues for cyberbullying or unhealthy social comparisons. FacebookThough no longer a favorite among younger users, Facebook is still widely used by adults. The platform exposes kids to hoaxes, extreme content in groups, and unwanted interactions, making it one of the social media platforms children should avoid. Recognizing which social media platforms children should avoid allows parents to take control of their child's digital environment and redirect their attention to safer spaces. Psychological and Social Risks Allowing children to use social media platforms children should avoid can lead to serious consequences. Children may experience low self-esteem from comparing themselves to others, feel pressure to maintain a certain online image, or face emotional distress from negative comments. Exposure to violent or sexual content can disrupt emotional growth and affect how children view relationships and self-worth. In the long run, it can lead to mental health issues and strained social development offline. How to Protect Children from Harmful Social Media Parents can take the following steps to protect children from risky digital exposure: Delay social media access until they are readyRespect the minimum age requirements of each platform. Make sure your child is mentally and emotionally ready before allowing them to join. Use parental control apps and settingsMany platforms offer tools that help monitor and limit what kids can access. Enable privacy and safety settings wherever possible. Check in on your child’s digital activity regularlyThis isn’t about spying but ensuring that your child’s online space is safe and healthy. Open up conversations about online content and friendshipsEncourage children to share what they see and experience online. Building trust is key to early problem detection. Introduce educational and kid-friendly platformsSafer alternatives like YouTube Kids or interactive learning platforms are better choices than social media platforms children should avoid. A Safer Digital Experience Starts with Awareness Understanding which social media platforms children should avoid is a crucial step in developing healthy digital habits. The online world can be fun and enriching — but only when children are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and adult guidance. If you're looking for a way to introduce your child to the digital world safely and meaningfully, Timedoor Academy offers kid-friendly coding and digital literacy classes. You can also try a free trial class today and discover how digital learning can be both safe and fun from the start.

Why do Children Like Playing Games? Playing games has become a very popular activity among children today. From mobile devices and tablets to consoles, games come in many forms that easily capture their attention. Parents often worry about the amount of time spent gaming, especially when it leads to concerns about children addicted to games. However, before judging too quickly, it is important for parents to understand why children are so attracted to the world of digital games. Games Provide Challenges and a Sense of Achievement One of the main reasons children love games is the clear challenges they offer. Games often feature levels or missions that must be completed. When children succeed, they feel proud and accomplished. This feeling can be very motivating, encouraging them to keep playing. Without proper guidance, though, this motivation may grow into children addicted to games as they constantly seek satisfaction from virtual victories. Games as a Source of Entertainment Games provide easily accessible entertainment anytime. With engaging graphics, exciting music, and compelling storylines, children can enjoy spending hours in front of a screen. For many, this is a way to relax after school. Yet, without boundaries, this entertainment can turn into overindulgence, leading to children addicted to games. Social Factors and Interaction with Friends Many modern games are designed with multiplayer features, allowing children to communicate and play with their peers. This social aspect makes gaming more exciting, as children can cooperate or compete with others. However, this interaction can also lead to children addicted to games if they become too comfortable in virtual socializing instead of real-life interactions. Games as Exploration and Imagination Some games are built with vast fantasy worlds ready to be explored. This stimulates children’s imagination, making them feel as if they are adventuring into new worlds. For children with high curiosity, games offer a safe space to experiment. Even so, parents must remain cautious, as such exploration can be the entry point toward children addicted to games. Lack of Alternative Engaging Activities Often, children spend long hours playing games simply because they lack other engaging activities. Without opportunities to explore creativity, talents, or new skills, gaming becomes their main escape. This makes them more vulnerable to becoming children addicted to games. How Parents Can Respond Blaming games entirely is not the best solution. Parents should recognize that games are simply a modern form of entertainment. The key lies in supervision and guidance. Some practical steps include: Limiting gaming time with consistent rules. Introducing alternative activities such as sports, arts, or enrichment programs. Having open communication about the content of the games children play. Encouraging educational games that combine fun with learning. With the right approach, children can still enjoy games without becoming addicted to games. The Role of Digital Education in Overcoming Challenges An effective way to redirect children’s interest in technology is through digital education. By joining the right courses, children can channel their interests into something productive. For example, learning coding, digital design, or animation not only provides enjoyment but also equips them with valuable future skills. This way, children are not only spending time on games but also building their potential, reducing the risks of children addicted to games. Building a Future-Ready Generation Playing games is a natural part of children’s lives in today’s digital age. There are many reasons behind their interest, ranging from entertainment and challenges to social interaction. Still, parents must remain vigilant to ensure that this fun activity does not turn into a serious issue like children addicted to games. Guidance, communication, and providing positive alternatives are the keys to maintaining balance.If you want to help your child channel their interests into something more meaningful, consider enrolling them at Timedoor Academy. Through fun and educational courses, children can learn digital skills that prepare them for the future. Sign up now for a free trial at Timedoor Academy and give your child the chance to grow in a positive and enjoyable way.

In today’s digital era, coding is becoming one of the most essential skills kids can learn for the future. It is not just about creating computer programs, but also about building logical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Fortunately, there are now many free coding resources for kids that can be accessed easily from home. For parents who want to introduce programming early on, this article shares a variety of platforms, apps, and websites that offer free, fun, and kid-friendly coding lessons. Why Should Kids Learn to Code Early? Learning to code is not only for those who want to become programmers. It helps sharpen important cognitive skills like critical thinking, persistence, and collaboration. In addition, coding teaches kids how to face failure and try again, as they learn to troubleshoot and improve their work. Introducing coding at an early age also gives kids a chance to explore their interests in technology and create things they can be proud of, such as simple games, animations, or interactive stories. What Makes a Coding Resource Kid-Friendly? When choosing a free coding resource for kids, it is important to look for the following: Clear, simple language that is easy to understand Engaging and interactive visuals Gradual, age-appropriate learning paths Gamified elements to keep kids motivated Safe and ad-free learning environments Here are some great platforms and tools to try out. 6 Best Free Coding Resources for Kids in 2025 1. Scratch Scratch is an introductory coding platform developed by MIT for kids ages 8 and up. Using colorful code blocks, kids can create animations, stories, or interactive games without needing to write code. Scratch encourages creativity and features a global community where kids can safely share their projects. It is also available in Bahasa Indonesia, making it even more accessible for Indonesian families. 2. Code.org Code.org is one of the best free coding resources for kids worldwide. It offers a wide range of free courses with varying difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced. Kids can even learn with their favorite characters like Elsa from Frozen or Steve from Minecraft. The platform also provides age-specific curriculums for elementary to high school students, with a fun, project-based approach. 3. Tynker Tynker is another popular platform recommended for kids. While the premium version is paid, Tynker offers free access to several well-structured introductory modules. Kids can learn basic coding concepts through games, build animations, and even get a taste of drones and robotics in a simplified way. 4. Khan Academy – Computer Programming Khan Academy is widely recognized for offering free educational content, and its programming section is no exception. It provides beginner-friendly coding lessons, especially for older kids and teens who are starting to understand text-based programming logic. The videos are interactive and well-paced, making Khan Academy a great choice for slightly more advanced learners. 5. Blockly Games Blockly Games is a collection of educational games that teach basic coding concepts using block-based visual programming. It is perfect for kids who are just starting out and want to learn while having fun. With a simple and functional interface, Blockly Games is a solid first step into the world of coding for elementary-aged kids. 6. Timedoor Academy In addition to these global platforms, there is also a great local option: Timedoor Academy. Timedoor offers interactive online coding classes for kids, using a fun and structured approach guided by experienced instructors. Timedoor Academy understands the unique needs of children potential. It tailors its lessons to local language, uses project-based learning, and provides flexible schedules. A free trial class is also available, making it easy for parents and kids to try it out before committing. Tips for Supporting Kids Coding at Home To make the most of your child’s coding journey, here are a few helpful tips for parents: Be there to guide them when they try a new platform, especially younger kids Set a regular learning schedule, like 30 minutes per day Give small creative challenges, such as making a simple game or animation Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small Keep screen time balanced with physical and social activities Ready to Start Coding from Home? Here’s the First Step: Learning to code has never been more accessible, thanks to the growing number of free coding resources for kids. Parents can introduce programming in a fun, engaging way through platforms designed with kids in mind. But to make learning more structured and effective, it helps to choose the right method and guidance. Timedoor Academy offers kid-focused online coding classes with a creative and organized approach. Led by experienced instructors and adapted to different age levels, Timedoor is ready to support your child’s coding journey. Try a free class today and help your child start learning to code from home in a fun and meaningful way.