Contrary to popular belief, learning code is so much more than gaming.

The skills acquired for computer programming are fundamental to life in the sense that they teach children how to interact and build relationships amongst peers, superiors, and colleagues. Kids also learn computational problem solving and critical thinking skills applicable to everyday life and situations.

Educators are beginning to see the gap to be filled by teaching children to code — a valuable skill for life. The United States has even expanded their in-school computer science program, like many schools in the United Kingdom.

Clare Sutcliffe, co-founder of Code Club believes, “At a basic level, coding improves problem-solving and thinking skills, and having digital skills will improve their chances of being employed in the future.”

Additionally, children learning to code will shift their role from a mere consumer of technology into a producer — a much more active role with the technological tools at our fingertips.

Learning to code teaches children to problem solve for themselves. Many programs like Hatch are project based learning — if a child is building a computer program and something isn’t working, they learn what’s wrong with the program and how to solve the problem.

As a universal language, children who learn how to code will be able to communicate across cultures and countries, solve problems efficiently and innovate effectively. Coding inspires children to grow by encouraging creative thinking and problem solving. In turn, these skills set children up for success by providing them with advantages like processing information and communicating concepts and ideas effectively.

In a competitive job market, it is believed that coding will become the new literacy. A basic knowledge of coding and technology will become an essential skill set in order to succeed.

It is an exciting time for children to learn to code as the number of accessible options continues to grow exponentially.

More and more software programs are being developed and afterschool programs continue to expand their offerings. By using games and apps, as opposed to traditional learning methods, children will want to learn to code and will be more interested in computer programming.