Video Games Could Actually Be Good for Kids’ Brains, Study Finds (2024)

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Video Games Could Actually Be Good for Kids’ Brains, Study Finds? ›

A study of nearly 2,000 children found that those who reported playing video games for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory compared to children who had never played video games.

Studies show that kids who play video games may get a small boost to their reading skills. This is true even for kids who struggle with reading, and even when playing action games. Researchers think that this may happen because kids need to figure out text instructions to play. There's also a fun factor.

On top of improving your spatial memory, playing video games also helps you visualize space better. Studies show that gamers who play video games with 2D graphics see an improvement in mental rotation, while gamers who play games with 3D graphics see an improvement in spatial visualization.

Playing video games has been linked to improved moods and mental health benefits. It might seem natural to think that violent video games like first-person shooters aren't good for your mental health. However, all video games can be beneficial for different reasons. Try strategic video games.

Contrary to popular belief, video games can have positive effects on children's brains. Studies have shown that playing video games can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and decision-making skills. In addition, video games can also enhance problem-solving abilities and promote creativity.

Video games are especially appealing to children and teens who have ADHD. Advances in technology have made them more visually engaging, portable, and social. Some schools use educational video games that help students master new skills.

For kids over the age of 6, the American Academy of Pediatrics says no more than 60 minutes on school days and 2 hours on non-school days. Kids under 6 should spend closer to 30 minutes. It's also appropriate for parents to know and approve the games their kids are playing. Avoid any games with graphic violence or sex.

It's true that some studies have shown certain video games can improve hand–eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and the mind's ability to process information. But too much video game playing may cause problems. It's hard to get enough active play and exercise if you're always inside playing video games.

Video games can have mental health benefits.

Studies have shown that some video games can boost mood and make for better heart rhythms—a sign that they may also help relieve stress.

So far, studies have been mixed, with half finding positive results, the other half finding none. "Because the training methods in all of this research are different, it's hard to draw conclusions," Seitz said. One factor that can diminish the efficacy of these games is individual differences among us.

Is there any Science Behind video games? ›

The studies show that playing video games can change how our brains perform, and even their structure. For example, playing video games affects our attention, and some studies found that gamers show improvements in several types of attention, such as sustained attention or selective attention.

Video games have special chances for positive change through gamification in education, environmental awareness raising, encouraging social cohesion and cross-cultural interchange, and enhancing mental health.

The positive effects of video games on mental health

Many games involve critical thinking, strategizing, and solving complex, unique problems. Research has suggested that playing games that require creative problem-solving can improve individuals' problem-solving skills and boost creativity.

"Children who played more video games were the ones experiencing the most gains in intelligence after two years," researchers concluded in their paper, which was recently published in the journal Scientific Reports. "This is evidence of a beneficial causal effect of video games on cognition."

However, the benefits of videogames include improved powers of concentration, creativity, memory, languages and teamwork. Videogames can make it easier to learn educational contents and develop cognitive skills.

“Like stimulants, video gaming can increase gray matter in the brain,” says Dr. Manos. “Gray matter provides interconnectivity and allows parts of your brain to communicate with other parts of your brain and advance your self-perception.”

Things to keep in mind

Winning a game helps your child learn to cope when they lose, as it boosts their self-confidence. However, don't always let them win. Focus on the fun you have playing with your child, rather than the outcome of the game. Your reaction when you lose a game is an important example for your child.

If your child is showing sedentary or erratic behavior, it might be time to put a pause on gameplay. However, video games in moderation are a safe way for your child to learn many skills and productive behavior.

After the kids played with the game, the researchers determined that the young participants improved their reading attention span “seven-fold.” They improved reading speed and overall understanding. And the kids' writing improved, too. On top of that, the study points out that the improvements were long lasting.

New research defies long-held worries that lots of videogame playing could hamper young children's pace of learning. A study of fifth graders published in the Journal of Media Psychology found no meaningful links between video game playing – even for hours – and the children's cognitive ability.