The document discusses research on the effects of video games on children's cognitive development. Studies found that video games can stimulate children's brains similarly to traditional play and may enhance spatial reasoning, visual tracking, and other skills in gamers compared to non-gamers. While gaming releases dopamine that can aid learning, excessive gaming of over half their free time was linked to lower prosocial behavior and satisfaction. The document concludes that video games may provide unique cognitive benefits for children if played in moderation.

1. The Effect of
Video Games on
Early Cognitive
Development

2. In 2004, an estimated 60% of Americans
(145 million people) played video games
regularly.
The average gamer is 29

3. In 2014, 91% of children between the
ages of 2 and 17 regularly played video
games.
Among teenagers, 99% of boys and
94% of girls are gamers.

4. An extensive neurological study revealed
that children’s brains receive the same
amount of stimulus from video games as
they do from traditional play.
Playtime is critical for
a child’s
development.

5. 61 fifth graders were tested on their
spatial reasoning skills, of the group, the
children who had been exposed to a fast
paced video game were more efficient at
pattern and motion identification.

6. Gamer children outshine their non gamer peers
in:
• Visual tracking
• Environmental awareness
• Processing visual cues
•Multitasking
• Mental flexibility
•Memory
• Spatial reasoning
• Quick decision making

7. While gaming, brain release excessive
amounts of dopamine, a neurotransmitter
known to stimulate happiness and addiction.
Gamers experience dopamine levels equivalent
to those released after amphetamine
injections.
A study on rats suggests that high dopamine
levels can increase the brain’s potential for
learning, especially in young children.

8. Video games have been proven to be beneficial
to the brain development of elementary school
aged children.
However, children who spent more than half of
their free time playing video games
experienced lower prosocial behavior and life
satisfaction.

9. In moderation, video games give
children a unique opportunity to become
more efficient and quick learners.

10. Sources:
Gray, P. (2015, February 20). Cognitive Benefits of Playing Video Games. Retrieved April 17, 2015,
from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201502/cognitive-benefits-playing-
video-games
Green, C., & Bavelier, D. (2004). The Cognitive Science of Video Games. Digital Media:
Transformations in Human Connection, 32-32. Retrieved April 17, 2015, from
http://psych.wisc.edu/CSGreen/csg_CNofVGP.pdf
Subrahmanyam, K., & Greenfield, P. (2002). Effect Of Video Game Practice On Spatial Skills In Girls
And Boys. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 13-32. Retrieved April 21, 2015, from
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0193397394900043
Granic, I., Lobel, A., & Engels, R. (2014). The benefits of playing video games. American
Psychologist, 66-78. Retrieved April 17, 2015, from
https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-a0034857.pdf
Shapiro, J. (2014, August 27). A Surprising New Study On How Video Games Impact Children.
Retrieved April 17, 2015, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/jordanshapiro/2014/08/27/a-
surprising-new-study-on-how-video-games-impact-children/