Mothers lead the way in their children's use of technology

Posted on: 02 May 2025

The report shows how the growing OurKidsCode network of creative coding workshops and clubs for families is enabling parents in communities across Ireland to be more proactive in their children’s use of technology, with mothers comprising 72% of the parents involved.

The OurKidsCode project builds parents’ confidence and skills in technology alongside their children at informal, hands-on creative coding workshops. These take place outside of school hours in libraries, primary schools and rural broadband connection point community centres. 

Creative coding is the playful use of computer programming to make art, stories, or interactive projects, combining coding, crafting and making. OurKidsCode workshops are appealing to parents who are looking for ways to increase their children’s active creation rather than passive consumption of technology.

Funded by Research Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development, OurKidsCode has reached 5,240 parents and children in 111 predominantly rural locations across Ireland. The report shows females (mothers and girls) comprised 55 per cent of participants, busting the gender stereotype that females are not as interested in computing as males. 

OurKidsCode is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths). By partnering with DEIS schools, local development agencies and NGOs, it strives to make workshops that are accessible to all families.

Launching the Impact Report, Dr Nina Bresnihan, OurKidsCode project lead and assistant professor in the School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity, said: “OurKidsCode is committed to increasing opportunities for parental involvement in children’s computing education and contributing to greater diversity, inclusivity and equal access, with a particular focus on rural communities where access to such initiatives is often limited.

“Getting parents involved in their children’s coding education can have powerful outcomes. Research in our new report shows how this boosts knowledge and confidence. It also sustains families engaging together in computing activities and promotes computing as a subject choice and future careers in STEAM-related fields. Furthermore, it challenges stereotypes by promoting female participation in computing based on mothers’ interest in their children’s early education. We see mothers who take part in our workshops acting as powerful role models for their daughters, demonstrating that STEAM is a viable and rewarding path.” 

Parent and club leader of the OurKidsCode club Rossmore Scratchers, Co Tipperary, Rona Toft, said: “There’s something really special about learning side-by-side with your kids and other local families in a safe, welcoming space. From starting with the OurKidsCode taster programme to running the now award-winning Rossmore Scratchers, in Rossmore, Tipperary, the friendships and fun we’ve found along the way have been the absolute highlight. I watched my kids take a project from a blank screen to something they built themselves ─ figuring out the bugs, problem-solving, and seeing it through. I’ve never been prouder; it’s amazing to see their confidence grow.”

Speaking at the launch of the report, Dr Linda Doyle, Provost and President, Trinity, said: “As technology continues to play an increasingly central role in our daily lives, it is essential that people of all ages are not simply passive consumers of the digital world, but are empowered to engage with it – and to shape it. OurKidsCode is a truly inspiring initiative that helps families do exactly that. With creative coding, time spent on a computer is not just about passively consuming media content or playing games; it’s about actively using technology as a tool for self-expression, problem-solving and teamwork.”

“So many aspects of OurKidsCode stand out: the meaningful involvement of parents in their children’s learning journeys; the strong, inclusive ethos; the focus on rural communities; and the depth of collaboration with local authorities and community partners. I look forward to seeing OurKidsCode continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.”

Dr Nina Bresnihan with Dr Linda Doyle, Provost and President, Trinity.

OurKidsCode has built an infrastructure and partnership network with county councils across Ireland, the National Parents Council, and Microsoft Dream Space for the delivery of facilitator-led workshops and a ‘Start a Club’ programme to support the establishment of parent-led creative coding clubs for families with primary-level children.

The OurKidsCode 2021-2024 Impact Report is available from the OurKidsCode website:

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