Research Findings: Children playing electronic games show an IQ increase of 2.5 points above average

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Recent research published in Scientific Reports, drawing data from 9,855 children aged 9 to 10 in the ABCD Study (Adolescence Brain Cognitive Development) database in the United States. On average, children in this age group spend 2.5 hours daily watching TV or online videos, 1 hour playing electronic games, and half an hour on social media. After 2 years, scientists analyzed data from over 5,000 children out of the initial nearly 10,000 for comparison. During this period, children who played electronic games more than the average mentioned hour had an IQ score 2.5 points above the average.

To achieve these results, scientists relied on the ability to process tests, including reading comprehension, spatial image processing, tests focusing on memory skills, flexible thinking, and the self-control ability of the little ones.

In this study, researchers did not differentiate between the impact of playing games on mobile phones and specialized devices like consoles. Nevertheless, the research results still demonstrate valuable data on the correlation between IQ and gaming, reinforcing the idea that IQ is not a fixed number each person is born with and cannot be changed.

Neuroscientist Torkel Klingberg from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden believes: “Our research supports the view that screen time does not negatively impact children's cognitive abilities. In fact, playing electronic games has the potential to enhance intelligence in children.”

Researchers acknowledge that this is not the first time scientists have proven the correlation between the time children spend playing electronic games and the development of cognitive abilities or other benefits.

In previous studies, small sample sizes, different research methods, varying test designs, or the oversight of factors such as genetic and socio-economic influences have led to somewhat contradictory conclusions about the positive and negative impacts of using technology in general, and gaming in particular, on children. Certainly, further research will be required to combine other influencing factors, such as the duration of device usage and its effects on youngsters.

Mr. Klingberg states: “We did not combine factors like the impact of device use with sleep quality, mental and physical health, or school grades, so we cannot make any statements about those issues.”

According to ScienceAlert

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