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
