Children spending too long on maths app TT Rockstars, MP warns

Concerns have been raised with the government about the amount of time primary school children are spending on a game designed to make learning times tables fun. TT Rockstars, which allows children to compete with their classmates for virtual coins and rock-star themed characters and outfits, is widely used by schools for maths homework.

Labour MP Emily Darlington said the app and others like it could be harming children's development because it rewards them for "length of time rather than quality of time spent online". Bruno Reddy, founder of the firm behind TT Rockstars, said he shared concerns about screen time and was working with schools to bring in curfews and time limits.

He said the company discourages long sessions, adding: "Every game in TTRS is deliberately short, and our characters remind children to take regular breaks. "The rule of thumb we give schools is: three minutes, four or five times a week.