The Impact of Video Games on Children's Attention Spans

By Juan-Pierre van der Ness (Psychometrist)

In recent years, video games have become an increasingly popular hobby for children. While video games can be an enjoyable and engaging pastime for children, concerns have been raised regarding the impact of excessive video game play on children's attention spans.

According to research, video games can positively and negatively affect attention span. Ashkenazi & Henik (2012) mention studies which found that video games can improve attentional qualities such as selective and sustained attention. For example, a study published in Nature discovered that playing action video games enhanced participants' visual attention and spatial resolution. However, research also revealed that excessive video game play could harm attention span. The American Academy of Paediatrics (2016) published an article on the Media and Young minds which found that children who played video games for more than two hours each day were more likely to have attention issues.

The harmful effects of video games on attention span could be attributed to various factors. One possible issue is that video games, which can be played on multiple devices and consoles, can be overstimulating and cause sensory overload, making it difficult for children to focus. Furthermore, video games frequently require rapid shifts in attention and quick decision-making, resulting in a short attention span and difficulties focusing on slower-paced tasks.

Tips for Parents to Avoid Harmful Effects of Video Games on Children

Parents or guardians can take many actions to prevent video games from negatively impacting their children's attention spans. Here is some expert advice:

1. Set Limits: It is crucial to limit the amount of time children spend playing video games. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that children aged 6 to 18 spend at most two hours daily on screens (Lin, Cherng & Chen, 2017).

2. Encourage Other Activities: Parents can encourage their children to participate in activities that promote attention and focus, such as reading, painting, board games, sports, family outings or playing outside.

3. Monitor Content: Parents should keep an eye on the content of the video games their children play to ensure that it is age-appropriate and does not contain excessive violence or other inappropriate themes.

4. Encourage Social Ties: Parents should encourage their children to play video games with friends or family, which can develop social connections.

5. Create a Balanced Environment: In addition to video games, parents should provide a balanced environment that includes a variety of activities such as sports, arts, and socializing.

Psychometric Testing to Assist Children with Attention Span Issues

Psychometric assessments can be a beneficial tool in assisting youngsters with limited attention spans. Psychometric assessment involves administering standardized tests to examine cognitive qualities such as attention and concentration. These tests aid in identifying any attentional deficiencies or weaknesses in attentional processes related to attention span problems.

Following identifying attentional deficiencies, intervention can be tailored to treat the specific deficits. For example, children with prolonged attention deficiencies may benefit from cognitive training exercises that enhance sustained attention, such as computer-based attention training programs. Furthermore, children with short attention spans may benefit from behavioural therapies that promote good behaviours like regular exercise and adequate sleep.

Concluding Remarks

Video games can influence children's attention spans in both positive and negative ways. While some video games help focus, excessive play can cause attention issues. Parents can make various efforts to prevent video games from harming their children, such as limiting screen time and encouraging alternative activities that improve attention and focus. Psychometric testing can be valuable for identifying attention deficits and tailoring therapy to specific difficulties.

References

American Academy of Paediatrics. (2016). Media and young minds. Paediatrics, 138(5), e20162591.

Ashkenazi, S., & Henik, A. (2012). Does attentional training improve numerical processing in developmental dyscalculia? Neuropsychology, 26(1), 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0026209

Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2012). Learning, attentional control, and action video games. Current Biology, 22(6), R197-R206.

Lin, L. Y., Cherng, R. J., & Chen, Y. J. (2017). Effect of Touch Screen Tablet Use on Fine Motor Development of Young Children. Physical & occupational therapy in paediatrics, 37(5), 457–467. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2016.1255290

Swing, E. L., Gentile, D. A., Anderson, C. A., & Walsh, D. A. (2010). Television and video game exposure and the development of attention problems. Paediatrics, 126(2), 214-221.

Titz, C., & Karbach, J. (2014). Effects of action video game training on cognition and attention: A controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 1360.

Weaver, J. B., III, Mays, D., Sargent Weaver, S., Kannenberg, W., Hopkins, G. L., & Eroglu, D. (2011). Health-risk correlates of video-game playing among adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 40(4), 441-447.