Concerns have been raised with the UK government regarding the amount of time primary school children are spending on TT Rockstars, a game designed to make learning multiplication tables engaging. Labour MP Emily Darlington told BBC News that the app and similar educational technology (EdTech) could be detrimental to children's development by rewarding time spent online rather than the quality of engagement.
Darlington, who is also the MP for Milton Keynes Central, voiced these concerns at a House of Commons Science Committee hearing that is investigating the impact of screen time and digital devices on children's brain development. She stated that gamification can lead children to spend excessive hours online to earn virtual rewards like character outfits, potentially causing conflict with parents over device usage and deterring participation in real-world activities.
Bruno Reddy, founder of Maths Circle, the company behind TT Rockstars, acknowledged concerns about screen time. He explained that the app's games are intentionally short, and characters remind users to take breaks. Reddy indicated that the company provides guidance to schools suggesting sessions of approximately three minutes, four to five times a week, and noted that in September, a typical child played for about six minutes on three days.
Maths Circle is implementing changes to address these concerns, with Reddy stating that "every school will have a curfew and a daily time limit switched on, and leaderboards switched off as default" starting November 24.
Reddy, a former maths teacher, emphasized that TT Rockstars was developed to enhance classroom learning by recognizing progress, celebrating achievement, and making the subject enjoyable. He pointed out that the app deliberately avoids features designed to prolong engagement, such as streaks, random rewards, chat functions, loot boxes, or notifications. He also noted the absence of advertising and that schools pay a flat subscription rate regardless of usage, removing any commercial incentive for extended playtime.
Paul Waugh, the early years education minister, expressed skepticism about gamification in learning, suggesting it is often profit-driven and aimed at increasing screen time. He advocated for learning methods that do not rely on competition and emphasized that EdTech should support, not replace, teachers.
Charlotte Ashton, co-founder of Generation Focus, a group advocating for smartphone-free schools, echoed concerns about EdTech. She stated that many digital learning tools lack strong evidence of improving learning and may even have harmful, unintended consequences. Ashton recommended that schools continue to use proven teaching methods until there is greater confidence in the benefits and safety of new digital tools.
TT Rockstars and its companion app, Numbots, which focuses on addition and subtraction, are reportedly used in 17,000 schools and over 100,000 households. The government is currently developing guidelines for schools and parents on appropriate screen time for children aged five to 16.