Playing games has a surprising impact on children's IQ

A recent study suggests that spending more time playing video games may be linked to increased intelligence in children.

This information is really surprising because it contradicts the popular view that playing games is harmful to the brain development of young children. Although the difference in cognitive ability is not large enough to confirm a causal relationship, the result is still noteworthy.

There is still controversy regarding the harmful effects of gaming on young children.

PHOTO: REUTERS

The study, which began in 2022, looked at factors such as genetics and children's socioeconomic background. "Digital media shapes modern childhood, but its impact on cognition remains unclear and controversial," said the team from the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden. They stressed that studies with genetic data could shed light on claims about cause and the role of genetic predispositions.

In the study, researchers analyzed the screen time records of 9,855 children in the United States aged 9-10. On average, they spent 2.5 hours a day watching TV or streaming videos, 1 hour playing video games and half an hour socializing online. Two years later, children who spent more time playing video games had an IQ increase of 2.5 points above average.

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IQ scores increased based on children's performance on tasks such as reading comprehension, visual-spatial processing, memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. Although the study focused on children in the United States and did not differentiate between types of games, it still provides insight into the link between games and IQ.

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"Our results support the claim that screen time does not impair children's cognitive abilities and that gaming can actually enhance intelligence," said neuroscientist Torkel Klingberg from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.

The researchers also note that this is not the first study to show a link between gaming time and cognitive development. They say small sample sizes and a lack of consideration for genetic and socioeconomic factors have led to conflicting reports on the effects of screen time.

Klingberg stressed that the study did not look at the impact of screen use on physical activity, sleep, health or academic performance, and said further research will be needed into other environmental factors and the link between cognitive effects and brain development in children.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/choi-game-co-tac-dong-bat-ngo-den-chi-so-iq-cua-tre-em-185250805082756242.htm