We just launched the MVP of CyberGuardian Junior — an interactive tool designed to help kids recognize phishing attempts in a safe, hands-on way. This was part of our July “Digital Stranger Danger” toolkit, and we tested it live with our own kids.

What the MVP Includes

• A working phishing simulator quiz that mimics suspicious messages kids might see online
• Scenarios based on real tactics — fake Robux offers, urgent timers, weird grammar, and emotional manipulation
• Simple scoring and feedback so kids know what they got right (and why)
• Mobile-friendly layout so it works from a parent’s phone during a conversation

What We Learned from Testing

We ran the tool with both of our kids. One immediately flagged a fake site for having grammar issues and a countdown timer — lessons from a past Robux scam stuck with her. The other ignored the first attempt but clicked the second — though he paused and asked an adult first. That moment sparked a discussion about hesitation, influence, and trust.

Design Philosophy

• Make it fun and realistic — like a scam challenge game, not a lecture
• Keep it short, so parents can run through it in a few minutes
• Use it as a springboard for real conversations at home

What’s Next

• Add SMS-style phishing simulation so parents can send fake scam texts to their kids
• Track which tactics kids fall for to personalize the experience
• Include more scenarios — fake giveaways, fake friends, and app permission traps
• Eventually integrate into a gamified CyberGuardian dashboard with progress tracking

Why It Matters

Kids are getting hit with scams earlier and more frequently. Most safety content is passive — videos, checklists, advice. CyberGuardian Junior is active: it gives kids firsthand experience resisting social engineering in a safe environment, with parents as guides.

This MVP is just the beginning, but it already proved the concept: kids can learn to spot scams — and actually enjoy it.