I sort of created an app for school to solve problems in this area but I have not really marketed to schools. Maybe this thread is a good time to do a quick survey. Is an app like what I created useful for parents? Let me know. Thanks!


http://schooriken.com

Computer/games addiction is not defined by number of hours spent on the game or device. However, there are visible signs that a child may be affected by addiction. Sleepiness in class, lack of focus, uninterested in school work resulting in clear plunge in grades. Computer usage policy should be defined for every child from young (even from 1 year old!). The exact terms of such policy may be different for different families but having clear rules for the child is important.


With that said, parents must also recognise the coming trends. Computing will be a big part in your child’s future. Totally removing it is NOT a solution. If parents learn to harness the positive side of computer usage, it will help the child a lot. I am actually a (former) computing teacher in a secondary school for around 6 years. In my time in school, I have seen both sides of the coin. My observation is that students who have a good mastery over computers are less prone to addiction. They may spend more time than some students on a computer however they are usually working on something productive.

I am Jiansheng and I have taught Computer Elective Programme in RI for the past 6 years. Regarding the importance of coding, I would say it is not urgent important like there will be an exam coming up. However, students who learn to code develop computational thinking (higher order thinking skill) and problem solving skills. Those who can code can also create products (games, apps or even just a website) which can be a useful portfolio in our digital world.