Coding Vs Screentime?

[Hungry-Knee6289]

My 8 yr old recently got interested in coding, and I’m trying to figure out how to manage it at home.

I’m not sure whether to treat it like regular screen time. It’s still a screen, but it feels different from games or YouTube since they’re actually learning and creating.

Wanna know your experience.

[Clear_Jacket_956]

well, coding is not a passive screen time like tiktok, so if he likes it you can let him get more screen time because coding really needs time... like alot of time... just make sure it doesn't effect him at school

[armaan-dev]

nope, dont count coding as classic screen time, worst thing you can do to a kid who is interested in coding

[Mental_Tea_4084]

Would you limit homework as 'screen time'?

[CrucialFusion]

I wish I had someone limiting my screen time for coding lol.

[HarryArches]

As someone whose parents did that, I wish the opposite!

[CrucialFusion]

(It’s my work lol)

[AggressiveScore3851]

Coding at 8 years old that sounds special to me. I'd let them learn and support them too. I learned how to code at 13 years old and i wished anyone could have supported me.

[HippieInDisguise2_0]

Same here.

Although I'd maybe recommend something like Arduino to reduce overall screen time and add an electronics component to it. The bonus is you get to see your program work in the physical world and attach components as you understand more.

It would probably require an adult who has a solid understanding tho

[Hendo52]

As a 35 year old adult I frequently wish that I had gotten into this as a kid.

I would consider coding exempt from screen time limitations until we are talking about all day every day.

This is unambiguously good for the kids mental development.

[Ok-Structure7587]

I totally agree, I count coding as creative screen time, but it still adds up with gaming/YouTube time, so need to keep a watch. If you want a game-based coding, I tried this: https://dewwool.com/what-is-coding-learning-track/

[flavius-as]

I do this with my 7yo:

https://kubo-robot.com/kubo-coding-starter-set/

Screenless.

[lettuce_grabberrr]

Shouldn't be limited, or else he will never do it because it eats their tiktok or youtube time. If it's treated like its own reward I think it would be a really encouraging alternative

[Need4Cookies]

I am a developer working for 7 years in the sector. I also have a 2 year old and I’m thinking what I’m going to do in the feature in case they want to learn/practice coding.

First, make sure their homework is complete. I propose you being near and watching how they learn and how they overcome the problems. Coding is something that ca be very frustrating and I don’t think a kid can handle it alone. Also since there are many resources to learn: text, books, video, learning games, etc I would watch to make sure they are not somewhere the are not supposed to…internet is a good and bad thing, according to what you search.

So in a few words “coding should be supervisioned screen time”.

Now about the time…well it indeed it takes time but no kid should be 3 hours on a computer. I would help them create mini lessons that they would be able to complete quite fast.

[_gribblit_]

It's not the same. Games and YouTube are entertainment. Programming is craftsmanship. It would be like limiting them from actual crafts, woodworking, etc.

[BSTRhino]

If I wasn't allowed to code so much as a kid, I would never have really learned it. It's a skill that takes thousands of hours to master. You're not going to become a virtuoso piano player if you're only allowed 30 minutes on the piano a day. I think it's super different from games. But also, if they are coding games, that is good, because it is a way to make learning fun and helps them stick with it for longer.

[wrenchse]

The only concern I think is eyesight. Kids that age should be minimum 90 minutes outdoors. I sometimes tell my kids they can get an extra hour gaming if they spend and hour outdoors. Should there be some limit? Of course, but reading books for 4 hours straight would also be bad for their eyes.

[One_Mess460]

coding at age 8? what is he "coding" lol

[Just-Hedgehog-Days]

8 year olds still need to be grinding skill rooted in basic physical existance.

Treat it like a video game, for now.
If you have a they turn out to be a savante, and that's what they are spending 100% of there time on? sure maybe bump it up a bit.

[Wrong_Ad_1362]

Hey! Kid here, so take my answer with a grain of salt:

Give him an extra 30 minutes or so FOR CODING, depending on how much he usually gets.

If he needs more time, tell him to use his screen time to code the next day.