A US study claims kids aren't better off using computers. Picture: Nathan Edwards Source: The Daily Telegraph

e Sunday Telegraph reports a survey of more than half a million children reveals technology is counter-productive in improving student achievement.

It found that introducing children to computers from 10 years of age could have a detrimental effect and was associated with "modest but statistically significant and persistent negative impacts on student maths and reading test scores".

The study, published by the US National Bureau of Economic Research, flies in the face of popular belief and shows that expanding computer access does not reduce the digital divide.

Study co-author Jacob Vigdor said the findings suggest access to computers can harm children's learning.

"Students who gain access to a home computer between 5th and 8th grade tend to witness a persistent decline in reading and math test scores," he said.

"For school administrators interested in maximising achievement test scores, or reducing racial and socioeconomic disparities in test scores, all evidence suggests that a program of broadening home computer access would be counterproductive."

Researchers analysed administrative data for more than 500,000 Years 5-8 students from North Carolina.

Studying their computer use and test scores, researchers aimed to asses the impact of student home computer use.

Professor Vigdor claims home computer access is damaging because students are easily distracted and end up using their time to socialise and play games.

High-speed internet was also a contributing factor and tempted children to use their computers for recreation.

However, researchers concluded that if parents monitored use and ensured that downtime was minimised, computers could be beneficial.

Federation of Parents and Citizens' Associations spokeswoman Sharryn Brownlee said she wasn't concerned with the findings as NSW boasted a strong primary curriculum.

She said it was also important for students to develop their computer literacy skills.

"In the modern work environment, people from all trades and all walks of life have to have some basic technology skills," she said.