In this guide
What is Scratch?
Scratch is a programming language designed primarily for children aged 8 to 16. However, people of all ages use it. The language works by using drag and drop boxes to create code, making it simple for children and beginners to understand. Because of this, teachers often use Scratch in school ICT lessons.
Users can design games, animations and stories and then share these creations with other Scratch users on the Scratch website. The platform also has a discussion forum. Users can talk to each other and share advice and ideas they are working on. Scratch also have a ScratchJr app targets younger children aged 5-7.
How it works
Scratch is quite a simple programming language, which uses blocks that users can drag and drop to create code. The blocks are colorful and snap together almost like LEGO pieces, making this an engaging experience for children.
Users can create their own games and animations, and they can also remix existing projects that others share on Scratch. This gives children a starting point for editing. It also lets them see what the code for a functional game or animation looks like.
On Scratch, users can publish their own projects and play and comment on other users’ designs. Scratch also has a discussion forum. Users can share advice, find collaborators, and discuss film and television.
Scratch is a completely free software. It is available for download on Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. You can also use it directly in most major browsers, excluding Microsoft Edge.
You can download it on Android phones, but you can only use this app to view projects, not to create or edit. While you cannot use Scratch on iOS, you can download the ScratchJr app on iPads.
A Scratch profile is not required to play games or start a project. However, you must create one to save and share your projects. An internet connection is not needed while using Scratch. Once the Scratch app is downloaded onto a device, it can still operate while offline.
ScratchJr
ScratchJr is a version of Scratch that is intended for an even younger audience, with the primary target being kids aged 5-7. Like Scratch, ScratchJr teaches kids how to code, but the interface and programming language has been redesigned to be simpler for a younger children.
ScratchJr is available on iPad’s and Android tablets. Like Scratch, ScratchJr is free to download and use.
Scratch parental controls
Despite being intended for a young audience, Scratch does not offer any controls for parents to edit or set. They have community guidelines in place which Scratch encourages parents to review together with their child. These guidelines include ‘Treat everyone with respect’ and ‘Help keep the site friendly.’
A moderation team is in place to monitor activity on the site and respond to any user reports. A CleanSpeak profanity filter is also in place, which automatically blocks any inappropriate language posted on Scratch.
If parents do not feel comfortable with their child using the social features of Scratch without any parental controls, they can choose to only give their child access to the offline version. Downloading the app onto their child’s device will allow them to use it offline, and then the parent could use a parental control app to block access to the Scratch forum.
Benefits of Scratch
- Simple introduction to coding
- Engaging interface
- Free to use
- Helpful community
What to watch out for
With no parental controls, parents must keep a closer eye on how their children use Scratch. While Scratch does have a moderation team, it is always possible that some inappropriate games or comments could fall through the cracks and be seen by a child. Having a conversation with your child about what games they’re playing or creating on Scratch could help you learn if they are being exposed to inappropriate content.
If your child publishes their designs for other Scratch users to view, there is a chance someone might leave negative comments. This could be hurtful for your child, so speak with them and give them advice on how they can deal with receiving negative feedback.
There are also several games on Scratch that depict content that some parents might deem inappropriate for their child. These include modern war scenarios involving stick men shooting each other and horror games with jump scares. If you feel like this is inappropriate for your child you can use a parental control app to block access to the Scratch games and let your child use the offline version of the app.