Contrary to popular belief, researchers now suggest video games may actually increase intelligence in children, not impair their cognitive abilities. A 2022 study involving nearly 10,000 U.S. children discovered a link between gaming and higher IQ scores over a two-year period.
While watching TV or using social media had no clear effect on IQ, children who gamed more showed notable cognitive improvement. The study was led by researchers from the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden and published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Gaming Offers Measurable Cognitive Gains, Study Shows
Children who spent more time than average playing video games saw an IQ increase of 2.5 points over a two-year period. That improvement may seem small but is statistically significant, especially after adjusting for genetics and socio-economic status.
The IQ gains were measured using standardized tasks such as reading comprehension, spatial reasoning, memory, and executive control. These skills are essential for problem-solving, academic performance, and overall brain development during early childhood.
Study Examines Screen Time in 9,855 Children Aged 9 to 10
Researchers analyzed screen time habits from 9,855 children aged 9 to 10, as part of the ongoing ABCD Study in the United States.
On average, children reported spending 2.5 hours watching videos, 1 hour playing games, and 30 minutes socializing online daily.
From this group, over 5,000 children were reassessed two years later, providing longitudinal data on how screen time affects intelligence. Importantly, this study included a large, diverse sample and accounted for genetic predispositions and family background, increasing its reliability.
TV and Social Media Showed No Significant Impact on IQ
Interestingly, the study found no meaningful cognitive change related to TV viewing or time spent on social media platforms. These screen activities did not harm or help children’s IQ, suggesting that not all screen time has equal effects on development.
This finding may influence how parents and educators evaluate digital media and its role in children’s learning and leisure routines. While passive media consumption remains neutral, interactive activities like gaming could provide a valuable cognitive stimulus.
Researchers Emphasize Importance of Controlled, Large-Scale Studies
Past studies on screen time have produced conflicting results due to small sample sizes and inconsistent research designs. The 2022 study corrected for these limitations by using genetic data and socio-economic controls, ensuring more accurate conclusions.
According to neuroscientist Torkel Klingberg from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, intelligence is not a fixed trait from birth.
“Our results support that playing video games can actually help boost intelligence,” Klingberg said in a press release.
What Types of Games Were Involved in the Study?
One limitation of the study is that it did not distinguish between types of games—whether console, PC, or mobile formats.
Different games may stimulate different areas of the brain, especially those that involve strategy, memory, logic, and multitasking. Nonetheless, the overall increase in IQ scores suggests that interactive digital play, regardless of format, can offer cognitive benefits.
Future research may explore whether specific genres—like puzzles, simulations, or action games—yield greater mental performance enhancements.
Does Gaming Time Replace Other Important Activities?
While this study found positive links between gaming and IQ, it did not evaluate other aspects like physical health, sleep, or social skills. Klingberg noted, “We didn’t examine screen behavior’s effects on physical activity, sleep, wellbeing, or school performance.”
Therefore, the findings do not suggest unlimited gaming is harmless, only that moderate and engaging gameplay may be mentally stimulating.
As with all digital habits, balance remains essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for growing children.
Why Might Gaming Improve Cognitive Function?
Gaming often requires quick thinking, memory recall, flexible problem-solving, and strategic planning—all of which challenge the brain.
Many modern games demand sustained attention, goal-setting, and hand-eye coordination, which promote neuroplasticity and executive function.
Unlike passive content like TV, video games are interactive and adaptive, keeping children more cognitively engaged while playing. Games also often include levels, feedback loops, and challenges that reward perseverance, a key skill in academic success.
Experts Say More Research Is Needed Before Drawing Final Conclusions
Although the results are promising, scientists caution against overgeneralizing the study’s findings to all children or gaming experiences. There’s still much to learn about how screen behaviors interact with sleep, emotional wellbeing, physical activity, and learning environments.
The researchers are now examining other environmental factors that could influence brain development and long-term cognitive health in children. Further studies will determine how brain structure and function evolve in kids who engage regularly with digital media like gaming.
Changing the Narrative Around Video Games and Child Development
For years, video games have been criticized for contributing to attention problems, aggression, and poor academic performance in kids. This study helps reshape that narrative, showing that intelligent gaming can be mentally enriching—when balanced with offline activities.
Educators and parents may begin rethinking how video games are integrated into education, especially those with learning-based or STEM content. More importantly, the study encourages open-mindedness when discussing children’s digital habits in the home and classroom.
A More Nuanced View of Screen Time for Children
This landmark study provides new evidence that video games are not inherently bad for children’s minds—and may offer cognitive benefits.
By examining nearly 10,000 kids and controlling for genetics and background, researchers delivered a robust look at gaming’s mental impact.
Parents should still monitor screen time, but can feel more confident allowing structured, purposeful gameplay as part of a healthy routine. The future of cognitive development may include smart gaming strategies that challenge kids’ brains and improve learning outcomes.
“As our digital world grows,” Klingberg says, “we must understand how it shapes our brains—and how to guide young minds wisely.”