Why I'm teaching kids to hack computers

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Platform Choice & Accessibility

  • Several commenters criticize the app for being Apple-only, calling iOS/macOS “least hacker-friendly” and mismatched with “teach kids to hack” branding.
  • Others counter that kids do commonly have iPads/iPhones, and that curiosity doesn’t depend on platform.
  • A free web version exists and is already used in hundreds of schools, but is described as “less powerful” (fewer integrated tools, less intensive processing, more reliance on external sites).
  • Some jailbreak users want support for older iOS versions; the developer cites testing burden as the main constraint.

Gamification, Motivation & Nostalgia

  • Many reminisce about learning via necessity and unstructured tinkering (broken PCs, DOS mods, floppies, warez, game modding, reverse engineering text files), arguing that this bottom‑up, goal-driven learning is hard to replicate top‑down.
  • Others say guided challenges and platforms like TryHackMe work well as on‑ramps; structure helps beginners, and the truly curious will “escape the sandbox” anyway.
  • There’s skepticism that gamification alone can create deep engagement without an existing desire to “make something happen” on the computer.

Topics & Long-Term Relevance

  • One thread questions focusing on SQL injection and similar exploits, arguing many such issues are mitigated by modern frameworks and will be further reduced by AI helpers.
  • Others respond that these vulnerabilities are still very much alive in real code today, and the goal is to inspire with current tech rather than predict 2040.

Monetization, Microtransactions & Ethics

  • Strong pushback against in‑app purchases aimed at kids, especially a visible “buy hints” UI and the broader mobile dark-pattern ecosystem.
  • The app offers:
    • A free version with 10 tutorial challenges + 1 extra, then paywalls further content/hints.
    • A separate “Education Edition” as a one-time purchase with no IAP, no tracking, no ads.
  • Some argue this still trains kids to reach for microtransactions; others say dual models are a reasonable compromise so people can both try before buying and avoid IAP entirely.
  • Debate arises over whether a truly “for kids” tool should be open source and fully free vs. needing a sustainable business model.

Ethics, Legality & Broader Concerns

  • One commenter suggests explicitly teaching about legal consequences and responsible use; the developer is open to adding such messaging.
  • Broader worry: kids raised only in locked-down environments (iPads/Chromebooks) may never learn how general-purpose computers work; some parents use this app alongside hardware projects (PC builds, keyboards) to foster real tinkering.