Experts reveal the big benefit children get from video games.

Do you struggle to keep your little ones away from their video games? Or perhaps you’re feeling guilty for allowing TOO much time on the console? After all it is the easiest way for you to secure some all important ‘me’ time.

Well don’t panic, because this new study has found that video games do have some rather valuable benefits for children!

Columbia Mailman School of Public Health unearthed some interesting findings after looking into the habits and lifestyles of 3195 children aged 6 – 11 across six European countries.

Out of those taking part in the research, one in five children played video games for at least five hours a week.

The study found that both young boys and girls had a higher chance of having high intellectual functioning when playing video games regularly. They were also 1.88 times more likely to have overall, a better academic achievement believe it or not.

And these weren’t the only benefits, apparently the recluse stereotypes given to children who spend their spare time on video games are all wrong. Those who played video games regularly reported less problems amongst their friends.

Katherine M. Keyes, PhD, assistant professor of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health said:

“Video game playing is often a collaborative leisure time activity for school-aged children. These results indicate that children who frequently play video games may be socially cohesive with peers and integrated into the school community.”

So what do you think? Will this new research be changing any of the rules in your house regarding video games? Or are you still not convinced too much video game time is healthy for your kids?

Let me know what you think about this issue and whether or not this evidence is enough to change your outlook.

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