Video games may have a positive impact on children’s intellectual development

A new study conducted by scientists has shown that children who spend more time playing video games demonstrate an increase in intelligence levels. The research, published in Scientific Reports, somewhat contradicts the existing belief that “video games are harmful to children.”

As part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD Study) — a large-scale, long-term research project examining brain and cognitive development in adolescents in the United States — researchers analyzed screen time data from 9,855 children aged 9–10. According to the findings, children spend an average of 2.5 hours per day watching television and online videos.

Two years later, scientists examined updated data from more than 5,000 of the same children. It was found that children who spent more time playing video games than their peers showed an additional 2.5-point increase in IQ beyond the average growth. This increase was determined based on cognitive indicators such as reading comprehension, memory, flexible thinking, and self-control.

The study also took into account the children’s genetic characteristics and socio-economic status. At the same time, it was determined that watching television and using social media had neither a positive nor a negative impact on intelligence levels.

The authors of the study emphasized that video games stimulate active thinking, attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. This, in turn, has a positive effect on children’s mental development.

At the same time, experts stress the importance of a balanced approach. According to them, these findings do not encourage excessive gaming. The main issue is not the amount of screen time, but its content and purpose.