Video Games Could Spur Attention Difficulties in Children

Video Games Could Spur Attention Difficulties in Children


Recent research suggests children who log more hours on a video-game console could be at higher risk for acting impulsively and developing attention problems.

The study, published in the American Psychological Association’s new journal Psychology of Popular Media Culture, was authored by Douglas A. Gentile, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Iowa State University.

Approximately 3,034 children between ages 8 and 17 participated in the study during a three-year period. Each child was questioned about how long and often he or she played video games and, additionally, completed psychological tests to gauge impulsiveness and attention span.

Dr. Gentile found that while technology can help children improve their ability to process information on a visual level, it could actually impair overall concentration.


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