British children's brain development is being threatened by their failure to work with their hands in school and at home, said a report released on Monday.

With woodwork, metalwork, craft, music or car mechanic classes dropped by many schools and children wanting to play computer games at home the UK is becoming a "software instead of a screwdriver society", said the report, commissioned by the Ruskin Mill Educational Trust.

"Working with one's own hands in a real-world 3-D environment is imperative for full cognitive and intellectual development," said the report's author Dr. Aric Sigman.

"Research is showing that increasing time spent in the virtual world of computers is displacing hands-on play and hands-on learning.

"That allows young people to experience how the world works in practice, to gain an understanding of materials and processes and to make informed judgments about abstract concepts."

The report cited examples of 11-year-olds with deficits in certain areas of their cognitive development and a decline in the ability of young engineers and apprentices to conceptualise straightforward mechanical problems.

"The findings of this report clearly point to strengthening the role of '3-D' learning and crafts in educational policy-making today," said Sigman.

"The implications for the economy are significant and will actually improve the workforce's ability to use computers in research, design and development.

"But parents too have a responsibility to ensure their children have more of a 'hands-on' upbringing." http://tinyurl.com/5rvlbj



I've always thought apprenticeships in trades should be bought back so we've still got the skills in the country that are needed. We used to involve the kids in all we did, decorating etc. I taught them whittling but now it would be held in horror, kids using a knife , we made our own glue and did cutting out, sticking and played with pastry. We even had a diary one summer holidays and drew pictures to illustrate our work. It was all good fun, some parents still do it but sadly I think a lot are much too busy and its quicker to put the computer on.

Hello Val and Mac, I am quite sure that Both of You, would know I agree with Your comments!!   A Priority Topic!!
In the 'portral' of what life is about, for people -- we all know there is now, No such thing as "Common Sense and logic" -Sorry to say?? -- The Practical side of life seems to be ---- Missing??   Is it really Too Much Trouble Today Is The computer, our only excuse
Is it totally Impossible, to Re- educate People ?
Is it Possible to 'Educate' young persons, NOT to carry Knives, because it is Wrong to Injure other people
HOW ABOUT A 'ZERO TOLERANCE' NOW!!  INSTEAD OF JUST MORE AND MORE TALKING

I cannot stop to think of the young people that cause 'Problems ETC?? --- I think of those whose Lives and Property, will yet be Destroyed, before this government will WAKE UP and Protect it's Own people from Any Form Of DANGER   HOW ABOUT ALL THOSE VICTIMS