Computers in primary schools are reportedly to be doing more harm than good. The findings were outlined in a report published by the Alliance for Childhood, an international group of teachers, doctors, psychologists and primate researchers.

It outlined that childrens development was being stunted, encouraged obesity aggravated eyestrain and did not encourage creativity. The alliances report has also called for a halt on further computers being introduced into the classroom until further research has been carried out.

The Alliance for Childhood is also concerned that the priority has been to introduce more computers into schools, and has thus resulted in cut-backs being made on teachers, library books and field trips to cover expenditure on computer hardware and software.

A child psychologist from the University of Miami stated that the risks wre outweighed by the benefits brought about by using educational software. It is a recognised fact that children need to use computers from an early age as it is a part of modern life, but did stress the need for parents to monitor their child's usage when accessing the internet or playing with computer games.