Three hours of video games a day may actually help a child’s cognitive skills, study finds
Three hours of video games a day may actually help a child’s cognitive skills, study finds
Three hours of video games a day may actually help a child’s cognitive skills, study finds
By Luke Hurst
October 25, 2022
Summary
A new study has however found that hours of computer gaming could in fact improve some cognitive skills, such as those involving impulse control and working memory.
The study involved nearly 2,000 children, and those who reported playing video games for three hours a day performed better in cognitive skills tests than those who had never played games.
Examining survey, cognitive, and brain imaging data from around 2,000 participants, they separated the children into groups: those who played computer games for three hours or more a day, and those who reported playing no video games at all.
"Numerous studies have linked video gaming to behaviour and mental health problems. This study suggests that there may also be cognitive benefits associated with this popular pastime, which are worthy of further investigation".
The study authors also insist that their results do not allow for cause and effect analysis, and that children who are better at these cognitive tasks may simply choose to play computer games.
"While we cannot say whether playing video games regularly caused superior neurocognitive performance, it is an encouraging finding, and one that we must continue to investigate in these children as they transition into adolescence and young adulthood," said Bader Chaarani, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont and the lead author on the study.
"Many parents today are concerned about the effects of video games on their children's health and development, and as these games continue to proliferate among young people, it is crucial that we better understand both the positive and negative impact that such games may have".
Reference
Hurst, L. (2022, October 25). Kids who play video games score higher on cognitive tests, study finds. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.euronews.com/next/2022/10/25/three-hours-of-video-games-a-day-may-actually-help-a-childs-cognitive-skills-study-finds