How girls hold themselves back from pursuing computer science (infographic)

29 Aug 2013

Girls are holding themselves back from pursuing a future in computer science because of stereotypes, but the good news is parents and teachers can help turn this tide, a new infographic suggests.

The infographic by Play-i reveals girls like computer science and are as good at the subject as boys. However, throw in a statement such as, ‘boys are better at computer science than girls’ and boys will perform better on computer science tests than girls. Say  nothing, and boys and girls will score the same on the tests!

Other stereotypes, such as computer scientists like to be alone and that computer science doesn’t help people (90pc of girls want to help people), also put girls off the topic, according to the infographic.

However, parents and teachers – or anyone, for that matter – can encourage future female computer scientists by promoting role models, introducing girls to programming early on, raising awareness of stereotypes and teaching girls with social and hands-on learning activities.

Women Invent Tomorrow is Silicon Republic’s year-long campaign to champion the role of women in science, technology, engineering and maths

Computer science girl image via Shutterstock

Infographic

Tina Costanza
By Tina Costanza

Tina Costanza was a journalist and sub-editor at Silicon Republic. She came to Ireland from Canada, where she had held senior editorial positions at daily newspapers in Ottawa and Toronto. When she wasn’t saving dangling participles, she was training for 10K races or satisfying a craving for scones.

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