Researchers from Karolinska University in Sweden conducted an in-depth look at how time spent playing video games relates to cognitive performance among American children. The findings point to an interesting pattern: children who tend to pause and think during play, effectively freezing on key decisions in the game, tended to perform better on a range of intellectual tasks. This insight adds a layer to the ongoing conversation about how interactive digital activities shape young minds.
In a substantial study, more than 9,000 boys and girls aged 9 to 10 from the United States participated. Each child completed a battery of standardized psychological assessments designed to measure different cognitive domains, including memory, problem-solving, processing speed, and verbal abilities. The overall outcome indicated that those who spent time engaging with video games showed an approximate 2.5-point increase in IQ scores compared with the average score of their peers who did not engage as deeply with gaming. The researchers emphasize that this statistic should be interpreted as a trend across the group rather than a prediction for any single child.
When looking at daily media consumption, the study found that children in the United States spent about 2.5 hours on video and other video content, roughly a half-hour on social networks, and around an hour playing video games. The data suggest a distinction between passive screen time and active, game-based engagement: passive consumption appeared linked to smaller gains in certain cognitive areas, while active video game play correlated with improvements in various cognitive tasks. The researchers caution that these results do not apply uniformly to all games or all players and should not be seen as a blanket endorsement of gaming without context or moderation.
It is important to note that the research was conducted only in the United States and did not categorize results by game genre. As a result, drawing firm conclusions about which types of games yield the most benefit is premature. The study does, however, add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that structured, goal-oriented, and cognitively engaging games may contribute to certain cognitive processes when used thoughtfully as part of a balanced routine.
Overall, the study highlights a potential cognitive benefit linked to active, strategic interaction with puzzle- and strategy-based video games, alongside a reminder that balance matters. Parents and educators should consider content quality, screen time duration, and the overall learning environment when integrating gaming into a child’s daily activities. The findings underscore the value of guiding children toward experiences that encourage planning, problem solving, and adaptive thinking, rather than endorsing indiscriminate screen use. These observations appear in line with broader discussions about how interactive media can complement traditional learning approaches when approached with intent and structure, rather than being treated as a passive pastime.