Core Viewpoint - The rising popularity of children's programming education is accompanied by various issues, including misleading marketing tactics, anxiety-inducing claims about academic benefits, and complaints from parents regarding the quality and value of the courses offered [1][5][17]. Group 1: Marketing Tactics and Claims - Several children's programming institutions, such as 核桃编程 and 有道小图灵, promote the idea that learning programming can facilitate admission to prestigious schools, using phrases like "three days to obtain a national certificate" [4][5]. - Institutions claim that participation in "white list" competitions can enhance a child's academic profile, with some suggesting that programming skills can lead to direct admission to top universities [5][7]. - The Ministry of Education has explicitly prohibited linking training results to admissions, indicating that such claims are merely marketing strategies [7][8][10]. Group 2: Issues with Course Quality and Value - Many parents report dissatisfaction with the quality of programming courses, often finding that the promised competitions lack credibility and that the courses do not meet their expectations [9][10][16]. - There is a significant concern regarding the "white list" competitions, as many institutions promote participation in non-validated events, leading to questions about their legitimacy [9][10]. - Complaints about refund difficulties and aggressive marketing tactics, including high-pressure sales and misleading information, are prevalent among parents [12][15][16]. Group 3: Age Appropriateness and Educational Value - Institutions often encourage very young children, even those in kindergarten, to learn programming, which experts argue may not align with their cognitive development [12][17]. - The focus on early programming education may detract from genuine interest and creativity, as children may struggle with complex concepts before they are developmentally ready [12][17]. - Experts recommend that programming education should prioritize interest and cognitive development rather than serve as a means to achieve academic shortcuts [17][19]. Group 4: Regulatory Environment and Recommendations - The regulatory framework surrounding children's programming education is evolving, with calls for clearer standards and guidelines to ensure quality and transparency in course offerings [17][19]. - Experts suggest that parents should approach programming education with a focus on interest development rather than academic pressure, advocating for a return to the fundamental purpose of education [17][19].