New research published today has found that playing video games is causing more harm to kids than social media.

The study by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) in Northern Ireland focused on how children’s use of information and communication technology (ICT) impacts their exams (GCSE) attainment.

According to the report, the study of almost 1,000 14 to 16 year-olds in Northern Ireland, found that children who gamed more had lower GCSE grades.

The report authors said:

“The frequency of use of games consoles and portable games players had a significant impact on educational attainment. Pupils were much less likely to achieve 5A*-C grades at GCSE if they reported using a portable games player a couple of times a day (41%) compared to those who rarely (77%) used one.

Similarly, those young people who reported using a games console a couple of times a day were less likely to achieve 5A*-C 7 The analysis used Year 2 survey data and pupil attainment data. 13 grades at GCSE compared to all other categories of users, but in particular in relation to those who rarely used their games console.”

The report also revealed how teachers and parents have become concerned with the negative effects gaming had on their pupils/children’s concentration, and attendance of school. However, the report found that social media, which was considered to be harmful to children’s exam attainment, had no impact on educational attainment of GCSEs.

The researchers found that the level of computer use had a significant positive effect on students if they were used for homework purposes. The report recommends teachers and parents to encourage homework to be done via devices.

Read full report here.

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