Playing Video Games Has an Unexpected Effect on Kids' IQ, Says New Study

Spending more time playing video games is associated with a boost in intelligence in children, contrary to the narrative that gaming is bad for young minds.

The study was careful to factor in variables including differences in genetics and the child's socio-economic background, and it was notable that the difference in cognitive abilities was a small one.

The effect of watching TV and using social media was not positive. The research should help in the debate over how much screen time is appropriate for young people.

Digital media defines modern childhood, but its cognitive effects are unclear and debated, according to the researchers.

We believe that studies with genetic data can clarify claims and correct for genetic predispositions.

The researchers looked at screen time records for 9,855 kids in the US who were aged 9 or 10. The kids spend 2.5 hours a day watching TV or online videos, 1 hour playing video games, and half an hour socializing over the internet.

More than 5,000 children were accessed by researchers two years later. Those who reported spending more time than the norm on video games saw an increase of 2.5 IQ points above the average rise.

The IQ point increase was based on the kids performance on tasks that included reading comprehension, visual-spatial processing, and a task focused on memory, flexible thinking, and self-control.

The study only looked at children in the US and did not differentiate between video game types, but it still backs up the idea that intelligence is related to gaming.

The results support the claim that screen time doesn't impair children's cognitive abilities, and that playing video games can help boost intelligence.

The researchers note that this is not the first study to suggest a link between the time that kids spend gaming and the development of their cognitive abilities.

Small sample sizes, different designs of studies, and the lack of consideration for genetic and socio-economic influences have all led to conflicting reports of the effects of screen time. The study wanted to minimize those limitations.

There are a lot of factors at play, both in terms of how intelligence might be developed and formed and in the different ways in which screen time might affect our bodies and our habits.

We didn't examine the effects of screen behavior on physical activity, sleep, wellbeing, or school performance so we can't say anything about that.

The research has been published.