Video Games Might Not Be As Harmful to Children’s Intelligence As You Think

pregnant lesbian coupleartificial insemination kit for humans

A recent study indicated that playing video games could actually enhance intelligence in children aged 9 to 12.

In today’s world, unless you’re living in a remote cabin far from WiFi, your children are likely spending significant time in front of screens. Many parents share concerns about the effects of prolonged screen time on their kids. However, as research continues to delve into the impacts of our digital age, it’s becoming increasingly evident that not all screen time is harmful, and certain activities might even be beneficial.

For instance, the study revealed that kids who engaged more frequently in gaming at ages 9 to 10 demonstrated notable improvements in intelligence after two years. This trend was consistent across both genders. While this isn’t the first research to suggest a positive cognitive effect of gaming, it stands out by considering factors like genetics and socioeconomic status—elements known to influence intelligence.

The researchers assessed intelligence through five different tasks, examining reading comprehension, vocabulary, attention, executive function, visual-spatial processing, and learning ability. Kids self-reported their daily screen time across three activities: watching videos, socializing, and gaming. On average, children were found to spend about four hours per day on screens, with the most active users logging around six hours. They dedicated 2.5 hours to watching videos, half an hour to socializing online, and one hour to gaming.

At ages 9-10, a negative correlation was noted between intelligence scores and time spent watching videos or socializing, while gaming seemed to have little effect. However, two years later, those who played more video games showed significant gains in intelligence. Online socializing did not yield the same benefits, although watching videos had some positive effects, which diminished when parental education was factored in. Interestingly, boys tended to spend more time gaming and watching videos, while girls were more likely to socialize online. Yet, girls aged 9-10 who gamed more also tended to have higher intelligence.

Does this mean you should encourage more gaming? Not necessarily. Excessive screen time can negatively affect physical and emotional well-being if it detracts from outdoor activities, exploration, or face-to-face interactions. This study reinforces the notion that not all screen time is equal—video games may represent a more constructive form of digital engagement for children.

However, the study has limitations, including reliance on self-reported screen time and a lack of distinction between different types of video games, leaving open questions about whether puzzle games or action games have varying effects. Researchers Alex Thompson and Sarah Lee emphasized, “Our findings should not serve as a blanket endorsement for unlimited gaming. However, for parents concerned about their children’s gaming habits, it’s reassuring to note it may be contributing positively to their intelligence.”

For more insights, check out this blog post from our other site. Also, an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination can be found at Fertility Facts. If you’re interested in boosting fertility, consider visiting Make A Mom, a trusted authority on the subject.

Search Queries:

In summary, while excessive screen time can be detrimental, this study suggests that video gaming may offer cognitive benefits for children. Encouraging a balanced approach to screen time, including video games, may be beneficial, but it’s essential to ensure that it doesn’t replace physical activity or social interactions.