A New Study Reveals Video Games Can Enhance Children's Intelligence: Over Two Years, Young Gamers' IQ Increased by 2.5 Points. Examining the Impact of Gaming on the Brain and What It Means for Parents.
It has long been believed that prolonged engagement with video games is detrimental to children and negatively impacts their cognitive abilities. However, a new study reported by the scientific portal ScienceAlert debunks this stereotype: it turns out that reasonable gaming time can even aid in the development of a child's intellect. Researchers observed nearly 10,000 schoolchildren and discovered a surprising pattern: children who spent more than the average time gaming had an IQ approximately 2.5 points higher two years later compared to their peers.
The Study: 10,000 Children Under Observation
The large-scale study conducted by an international team of researchers from the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden examined the impact of screen time on children's intelligence. The project involved 9,855 American children aged 9 to 10. Specialists recorded how much time each child spent daily on three types of digital activities: watching television or online videos, playing video games, and engaging in social media. The average results were as follows:
- 2.5 hours per day – watching TV and videos;
- 1 hour per day – playing video games;
- 0.5 hours per day – engaging in social media.
After the initial assessment of the children’s cognitive abilities, the researchers continued their observations. Two years later, they retested 5,169 participants to see how their intelligence had changed over time. Importantly, the researchers accounted for individual differences among the children, including genetic predispositions for higher cognitive abilities and the socio-economic status of their families. This approach allowed for a more accurate evaluation of the impact of screen activities on intelligence development.
Video Games Linked to IQ Growth
The results were quite remarkable. Children who spent more time playing video games than the average study participant demonstrated significantly greater increases in intellectual performance. Specifically, their IQ rose approximately 2.5 points more over two years compared to other children. In contrast, those who spent a similar amount of time watching television or on social media showed neither an increase nor a decrease in intelligence. In simpler terms, video games were the only form of screen activity that correlated with a tangible enhancement in children's cognitive abilities.
Television and Social Media Have No Impact on Intelligence
Interestingly, neither watching television programs nor online videos, nor actively using social media influenced intelligence levels. According to the study's findings, these activities provided no benefits or harm in the context of developing cognitive skills. While many parents worry that excessive television watching or social media engagement "dulls" their child's mind, scientific data has neither confirmed negative nor positive effects. Thus, moderate consumption of content from social media and television can be considered neutral for intellectual development—unlike video games, which provided a notable positive outcome.
Skills Improved in Young Gamers
An increase in IQ by 2.5 points may seem minor, but it is statistically significant. This reflects the development of a range of cognitive abilities assessed in children through standardized tests. Researchers noted that children who actively played games exhibited improvements in the following cognitive skills:
- Memory – the ability to retain and recall information;
- Cognitive Flexibility – the ability to adapt to new tasks and change strategies;
- Self-Control – the skill of managing impulses and focusing on goals;
- Reading Comprehension – the ability to understand and interpret textual information;
- Visual-Spatial Thinking – the ability to navigate space and work with visual images.
Many of the listed skills are indeed actively trained in video games. Modern games require players to have good memory (for instance, to remember routes or characteristics of items), the ability to quickly respond to changing scenarios, plan actions, and maintain focus. All these elements explain why gamer children made better progress in cognitive tests compared to those who solely engaged in passive content consumption.
Intelligence Is Not Fixed for Life
One of the key conclusions of the study confirmed that intelligence is not a static, predetermined quantity. The findings suggest that children's cognitive abilities can change under the influence of environmental factors and activities. While it was previously thought that the level of intelligence was largely determined by genetics and heredity, it is now clear that regular stimulating activities—such as educational games or video games—can significantly boost brain development.
It is crucial to note that the research team adjusted their analysis to account for genetic data and children's family backgrounds. This allows for more confidence in stating that the observed IQ increase is genuinely linked to gaming rather than innate talents or family wealth. In other words, gaming contributed to enhanced intelligence irrespective of the child's starting point.
In the future, researchers plan to investigate other environmental factors that may impact the development of children's cognitive abilities to complete the overall picture.
The Benefits of Video Games: What Scientists Say
The authors of the study emphasize that the results support a more positive perspective on the impact of video games. This is not the first research to highlight the benefits of gaming; earlier studies have also pointed to improvements in cognitive functions among players, although some conflicting data has emerged. However, this new study stands out due to its larger participant base and meticulous consideration of important variables, which enhances the reliability of its conclusions.
Thus, the myth that video games inevitably "damage" children's brains has taken a significant hit. Instead, we see that interactive games, when used wisely, can become a developmental tool. A child is not just entertained—they are simultaneously training their brain, solving problems, developing tactics, learning from mistakes, and achieving goals within the gaming world.
Conclusions for Parents: Play Smart
The discovery that video games can enhance children's intelligence is undoubtedly encouraging. Parents should no longer panic at the sight of a gaming controller in their child's hands—when consumed in moderation, virtual games can be beneficial for the mind. However, this does not mean that children should be allowed to sit for hours on end at the gaming console without supervision.
Researchers emphasize that their work evaluated only the cognitive effects of screen time. The study did not address the influence of games and other digital entertainment on physical health, sleep, academic performance, or mental well-being. Therefore, it is vital to maintain balance: time spent on video games should be regulated and not interfere with other aspects of life.
If approached wisely, video games can become an ally in a child’s development rather than an adversary. Choose games that foster cognitive skills, set reasonable time limits, and take an interest in your child's achievements within virtual worlds. This way, gaming engagement will not be a waste of time but a catalyst for intellectual growth and the acquisition of new skills.
