Think the kids are doing homework? They might actually be gaming
"Homework apps" come under fire from state media for hosting games and sexually suggestive content
At first glance, you’d think the kids were busy doing homework assigned by their teachers in an education app. But as it turns out, that may not be the only reason they’re glued to their phones.
The app Yiqi Xiaoxue Xuesheng, which means “together primary school students” (yeah, the grammar doesn’t sound quite right in Chinese either), is supposed to allow teachers to send through homework for students to complete within the app. Parents can also see their children’s grades and communicate with teachers.
Students can play different games in the app and earn virtual currency, which is used to buy in-game items and raise digital pets. Users can also spend real money: One father told CCTV that his child spent more than 1,300 yuan (US$187) on games in the app.
According to the report, some students were told to use the app by their teachers, who would receive 30 yuan (US$4.32) worth of credits for use with cell phone carriers, if they download the app and ask their students to do the same. The app’s marketing staff even visited schools to promote the app, the program says.
