5 Effective Ways How to Improve Children’s Literacy

The rapid development of digital technology has brought about countless innovations, and one of the most talked-about today is deepfake technology. Recently, the term “deepfake” has been frequently discussed, especially as more and more fake videos that appear shockingly real circulate on social media. But what is deepfake exactly, and why do parents need to understand and be cautious about this technology, especially to protect their children? This article will explain what is deepfake, how it works, and the potential impact it can have on children. We’ll also cover practical steps parents can take to help their kids face digital challenges with confidence. What Is Deepfake? Understanding the Technology Behind Fake Faces Before exploring its impact, it’s important for both parents and children to know what is deepfake. Deepfake is a term used for videos, images, or audio created with artificial intelligence (AI) so convincingly that they appear real, even though they’re fake. This technology can swap faces, mimic voices, or even make someone say or do things that never actually happened. Originally, deepfake technology was developed for entertainment and cinema, such as creating special effects in movies. However, as technology has advanced, deepfakes are increasingly misused—for spreading hoaxes, scams, and even digital bullying. That’s why digital literacy and education about deepfake is now more crucial than ever for Indonesian families. How Does Deepfake Work? To help children and parents better understand what is deepfake, let’s look at the basics of how this technology operates. Deepfake uses machine learning, especially deep learning techniques, to analyze and mimic someone’s facial expressions, voice, and movements. Using sets of videos or photos of a target, AI “learns” unique patterns and then applies them to new videos to make them appear extremely realistic. The end result of a deepfake is often very difficult to distinguish from real footage, especially at a glance. This makes deepfake technology dangerous if misused, particularly for children who may not yet know how to verify what they see online. The Impact of Deepfake on Children After understanding what is deepfake, it’s essential to recognize the negative effects it can have on children in the digital era: 1. Spread of Hoaxes and MisinformationChildren can easily be convinced by a deepfake video or audio that looks and sounds real, making them vulnerable to fake news, slander, or provocative issues. 2. Cyberbullying and ExploitationDeepfake can be used to create fake content that humiliates or damages a child’s reputation, or even as a tool for online bullying and exploitation. 3. Fraud and Privacy ThreatsA child’s personal data can be stolen and used to create deepfakes, which could then be involved in scams, blackmail, or other crimes. 4. Self-Doubt and Mental Health IssuesIf a child becomes a victim of deepfake, they may experience stress, shame, and even trauma, which can affect their self-confidence and mental well-being. 5. Difficulty Distinguishing Fact from ManipulationAt a young age, children are not fully equipped to tell the difference between genuine and fake content. Lack of digital literacy can make them more susceptible to digital manipulation. The Role of Parents: Education and Protection Simply understanding what is deepfake isn’t enough. Parents must also actively educate and guide their children to stay safe in the digital world. Here are some practical steps: Teach Digital Literacy EarlyDiscuss with your child about what is deepfake, how to spot fake content, and the importance of not believing every piece of information encountered online. Build Open CommunicationEncourage children to talk if they come across suspicious content or feel uncomfortable with something online. Strengthen Data Privacy AwarenessHelp children understand the importance of keeping personal data—photos, videos, and identity information—private and protected. Be a Role ModelParents should use technology and social media wisely, and avoid sharing or spreading unverified content. Introduce Positive Digital ActivitiesRedirect children’s attention to educational and productive digital activities, such as learning coding, creating digital projects, or exploring new knowledge. Coding: A Smart Way to Protect Children in the Digital World One concrete way to equip children for the deepfake era is to introduce them to coding. By learning to code, children don’t just become technology users—they also gain an understanding of how technology works. Coding sharpens logic, analytical skills, and encourages critical and creative thinking. Children who learn coding are better able to recognize digital manipulation and understand how AI behind deepfake works. Timedoor Academy offers interactive, fun, and age-appropriate coding programs. Children can learn to build apps, simple games, and even understand basic AI concepts through friendly and easy-to-follow methods. Time to Outsmart Deepfake, Starting from Home In today’s digital age, understanding what is deepfake should be a priority for every family. With the right knowledge, digital literacy education, and technology skills such as coding, children will be better prepared to face the risks and opportunities of the online world. Don’t let your child fall victim to digital manipulation! Register your child for a free trial class at Timedoor Academy and introduce them to coding and digital safety from an early age.

The differences between the 2013 curriculum and the Merdeka curriculum today have become an essential topic for parents to understand. This shift in educational approach is more than just a name change. It directly affects how children learn in school. With the right understanding, parents can better support their children’s learning process at home. The 2013 curriculum has been used for over a decade. However, ongoing evaluations showed a need for a more flexible and student-centered approach. This led to the introduction of the Merdeka curriculum as a major refresh to the national education system. So, what are the real differences between the 2013 curriculum and the Merdeka curriculum today? Below are nine key differences that parents need to know and how they impact children's education. 1. Curriculum Goals The 2013 curriculum aims to balance character, knowledge, and skills. In contrast, the Merdeka curriculum focuses more on developing each student's unique potential based on their interests and talents. This is one of the main differences between the 2013 curriculum and the Merdeka curriculum today in terms of how educational goals are designed and delivered in the classroom. 2. Learning Structure In the 2013 curriculum, all learning content is determined centrally, leaving teachers with limited flexibility. The Merdeka curriculum gives schools more freedom to adapt the structure based on local context and student needs. This flexibility is one of the most appreciated differences between the 2013 curriculum and the Merdeka curriculum today. 3. Learning Approach The 2013 curriculum uses a scientific approach that involves observation, questioning, data collection, analysis, and communication. Meanwhile, the Merdeka curriculum adopts a differentiated approach, allowing teachers to adjust teaching methods based on each student’s learning style and needs. 4. Lesson Content Another clear difference between the 2013 curriculum and the Merdeka curriculum today is the amount of learning material. The Merdeka curriculum simplifies content so students aren’t overwhelmed. It focuses on mastering key concepts instead of covering a large volume of topics, allowing for deeper understanding. 5. Assessment Method The 2013 curriculum relies heavily on administrative and quantitative assessments, which many teachers find complex and time-consuming. On the other hand, the Merdeka curriculum promotes formative assessments that help track a student’s progress and improve the learning process. 6. Role of Teachers Teachers in the 2013 curriculum function mainly as content deliverers. In the Merdeka curriculum, they take on the role of facilitators, guiding students through their learning journey. This shift in teaching roles is another major difference between the 2013 curriculum and the Merdeka curriculum today, reflecting a more student-centered learning experience. 7. Pancasila Student Profile Projects (P5) The 2013 curriculum didn’t include thematic projects. The Merdeka curriculum introduces P5 activities that help build student character through relevant themes like collaboration, creativity, and global diversity. This is one of the most visible differences between the 2013 curriculum and the Merdeka curriculum today in daily school activities. 8. Flexibility in Time and Learning Activities The 2013 curriculum tends to have rigid and packed schedules. In contrast, the Merdeka curriculum allows schools to organize learning time more flexibly. Lessons can happen outside the classroom through experiments, discussions, or even community-based learning. 9. Readiness for the Future The Merdeka curriculum is designed to meet 21st-century demands. It emphasizes critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and digital literacy. One of the most forward-looking differences between the 2013 curriculum and the Merdeka curriculum today is its focus on preparing students for technological and societal changes. The Role of Parents in the Merdeka Curriculum Era Parents are not just supporters but active partners in the Merdeka curriculum. Children need consistent support and involvement from home. One meaningful way to align with the spirit of this curriculum is by introducing your child to positive, skill-based activities like learning coding. Try a Free Coding Class at Timedoor Academy Timedoor Academy offers free trial coding classes specifically designed for kids based on their age and interests. These classes go beyond teaching technology. They help build logical thinking, creativity, and self-confidence. Each lesson is project-based, perfectly in line with the Merdeka curriculum. Kids will create games, animations, or basic apps while developing problem-solving skills and collaboration. With the support of experienced mentors, learning becomes fun, interactive, and meaningful. Let your child experience the joy of coding and build a stronger foundation for the future starting today.

In today’s tech-driven world, kids are not just consumers of technology. They can become creators too. One exciting way for young minds to explore this potential is by learning how to code. What’s even better? Coding is not just a fun and valuable skill. It can also help children start earning money at an early age. In this article, we will explore practical and age-appropriate ideas on how to make money coding as a kid, and how platforms like Timedoor Academy can help kickstart the journey.   1. Build and Sell Simple Games One of the most popular ways for kids to make money with coding is by creating simple games. Platforms like Scratch allow children to build their own games using visual programming blocks. Once they get the hang of it, kids can upload their games to platforms like itch.io or Game Jolt, where others can play and support their work through donations or small purchases. This is a great way for kids to combine creativity with coding skills. It also teaches them the basics of digital entrepreneurship, such as designing for users and thinking about what makes a game fun and engaging.   2. Design a Personal Website or Blog Creating a personal website is a great way for kids to showcase their projects and interests. Using platforms like WordPress, Wix, or coding from scratch with HTML/CSS, kids can build blogs, portfolios, or fan pages. Once the website gains some visitors, there are many ways to monetize it. These include placing ads through Google AdSense with adult guidance, using affiliate links, or even selling digital products like game templates or beginner-friendly coding guides. This helps kids learn how websites work and how online income is generated in real life.   3. Create YouTube Coding Tutorials Another exciting option on how to make money coding as a kid is by creating YouTube tutorials. Kids can teach others how to code in Scratch, build simple apps, or walk through a project step by step. These videos do not need to be fancy. They just need to be clear and helpful. As the channel grows, monetization through YouTube ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links becomes possible. This is also a great way for kids to improve their communication skills while reinforcing their own understanding of coding.   4. Sell Digital Art or Assets for Games Kids who enjoy both coding and art can create digital assets like characters, backgrounds, or sound effects. These can be sold on platforms like Unity Asset Store, OpenGameArt, or Itch.io. For example, if your child designs a cool background for a Scratch game, they can package it with a few more designs and offer it for free or for a small fee online. This is a fun way to blend art, coding, and entrepreneurship.   5. Try Safe Freelance Gigs (With Parental Help) Older kids or teenagers ages 13 and up can start exploring junior freelance work in simple coding tasks. These include fixing bugs, customizing websites, or helping with small scripts. Sites like Fiverr or Freelancer often have beginner-friendly gigs that can be done with parental supervision. Even if the job pays only a few dollars at first, the experience and confidence gained are invaluable. It helps children see how coding is used in the real world and builds their early portfolio.   6. Participate in Coding Competitions Many platforms and organizations hold coding competitions or hackathons for kids. These events often come with prizes such as gadgets, cash, or even scholarships. Websites like Tynker, Code.org, and local coding academies host events where kids can test their skills and possibly win something exciting. Competing not only motivates kids to learn faster. It also introduces them to other like-minded peers and creates a supportive community.   7. Build Mobile Apps With tools like Thunkable, MIT App Inventor, or even Flutter, kids can start building simple mobile apps. Whether it is a calculator, a quiz game, or a daily planner, these apps can be uploaded to the Google Play Store with adult help. Even if the app is free, kids can include ads or in-app purchases to start earning money. It is a great way to explore real-world coding with tangible outcomes.   8. Teach Coding to Other Kids Once your child becomes confident in their coding skills, they can teach younger children or peers who are just starting out. Whether it is through local workshops, helping a sibling, or organizing a mini class with friends, this builds leadership and communication skills. Some older kids even offer beginner Scratch tutoring sessions online, turning their knowledge into a meaningful side hustle.   Why Learning to Code Early Matters Understanding how to make money coding as a kid goes beyond earning an allowance. It teaches real-world skills like time management, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and confidence. Kids who code not only learn how to build apps or games. They also gain a mindset that prepares them for the future.   Start Coding the Fun Way with Timedoor Academy If your child is curious about coding, game creation, or building their first app, Timedoor Academy is the perfect place to begin. With interactive lessons, expert guidance, and beginner-friendly projects, kids can explore coding in a way that is fun and engaging. Ready to see if coding is right for your child? Visit us to join a free trial class and let your child turn creativity into real skills and even their first coding income.