Are Video Games Good for Kids’ Brains? What Every Parent Should Know

Understanding the Real Impact of Video Games on Your Child’s Mind

If you're a parent of a 6 to 12-year-old, you've probably had some version of this conversation at dinner: "Just five more minutes! I'm almost done with the level!" Whether it's Minecraft, Roblox, or that puzzle game they can't stop talking about, video games are woven into many children's daily routines. But as a caring parent—especially if your child is already struggling with focus, learning, or homework—it’s completely normal to wonder: are video games making things worse… or could they actually help?

The truth is more nuanced than most headlines suggest. Video games can be both a blessing and a challenge, depending on the type, the time spent, and—most crucially—the unique needs of your child.

Brain Boost or Brain Drain?

Let’s start with what science tells us. Contrary to the idea that all screen time is harmful, certain video games—particularly those that require strategy, memory, or language—can provide real cognitive benefits. Some studies show improvements in visual memory, problem-solving skills, and even decision-making speed in kids who play high-quality games in moderation.

For example, your child might not be enthusiastic about multiplication tables, but give them a math-based game where they’re unlocking treasures by solving problems, and suddenly, they’re engaged. One parent recently told me that their 8-year-old, who had struggled to concentrate in class, began practicing fractions voluntarily in a pirate-themed math game. The difference wasn’t just in the learning—it was in the motivation.

What Really Matters: The Type of Game

Not all games are created equal. As fun as endless jumping or shooting games might be, these don’t always stimulate the brain in ways that translate to school success. On the other hand, games that encourage storytelling, mathematical thinking, or spatial reasoning can be surprisingly beneficial.

• Here’s a helpful list of recommended educational games that challenge different learning areas.
• This article explores how kids can actually learn math through gameplay, in real-world settings.

It’s also worth noting that games can be highly adaptive. Many modern educational games can adjust their difficulty in real time, meeting your child right where they are—which is something even traditional teaching often struggles to do. This aspect of personalization is key when working with kids who have learning challenges.

When Gaming Becomes a Coping Tool

If your child faces school-related stress, anxiety, or low confidence, you might see them turning more to video games—not to learn, but to escape. This coping mechanism isn’t inherently bad. Games offer emotionally safe spaces where children can feel in control, earn rewards, and enjoy autonomy. For a child who struggles in a classroom—to read aloud, to keep up with writing—being an expert builder in a game like Minecraft can be empowering.

However, balance is crucial. When gaming becomes a substitute for all other learning and interaction, or if the games themselves are overly stimulating, that’s when problems like irritability, attention issues, and sleep disturbances start to appear.

Set time limits that respect both your child’s love for gaming and the need for offline learning. Even better, find ways to bring learning into the gaming world—or bring the spirit of play into learning. That’s where real change begins.

Bridging the Gap Between Games and Schoolwork

Here’s the part most parents wrestle with: how do you get your child to show the same excitement for schoolwork that they do for video games?

One approach is to blend the two. Instead of taking away screens completely, transform how they're used. For example, instead of battling over homework, imagine your child stepping into a personalized audio adventure where they’re the hero—solving vocabulary riddles or navigating math challenges using their own name. With tools like the Skuli App, you can snap a photo of a lesson and turn it into a customized story or quiz that feels more like play than work. Suddenly, review time becomes something your child looks forward to, whether it’s during car rides or quiet time before bed.

In the End, It’s About Connection

Whether your child is deep into digital adventures or just curious about gaming, the most powerful influence on their learning isn't the game—it's you. When you show interest in what they play, when you laugh with them, challenge them, and occasionally play alongside, you send a message: "What matters to you matters to me."

Games aren’t just about pixels and joysticks—they’re opportunities. Opportunities to connect with your child, to better understand how they think, and to discover how they learn. And that understanding? It's the first and most important power-up you can give them.

Want more ideas on how gameplay affects learning? Don’t miss this guide on how games can help children pick up new languages.