Video Games and Active Learning: What Real Impact Do They Have on Children?

When learning hides inside a game controller

If you're reading this, you're probably grappling with the same daily struggle many parents face: convincing your child that homework matters more than Minecraft, or that fractions are not the enemy. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re trying your best to support them, and yet they seem to light up only when holding a controller. But what if that spark—the one they show during video games—could actually tell us something valuable about how they learn best?

Before we swear off screens altogether, let’s look deeper into the relationship between video games and learning. You might be surprised by what the research—and many real-life examples—have to say. It’s not about replacing school with games. It’s about unlocking active learning in a world that already captivates our children.

Why kids engage more deeply when they play

Think back to the last time your child played a game they loved. Whether it was a puzzle game like Portal or a creative sandbox like Minecraft, notice how intensely they focused? How they learned the rules without reading a manual? Or how effortlessly they remembered complex strategies or adapted to new challenges?

This is the essence of learning through play. When children play, they're not passively receiving information—like when they sit in front of a worksheet—they're experimenting, making decisions, and learning from feedback. Educational psychologists call this “active learning.” It’s one of the most effective ways of acquiring knowledge, especially for kids aged 6 to 12 who often learn by doing rather than just listening or reading.

So the question isn’t whether video games are good or bad. The real question is: what kind of learning are they promoting?

But not all games are created equal

Of course, not every game your child plays develops critical thinking or problem-solving. Some are simple entertainment—just as some TV shows are pure fun while others teach empathy, logic, or history. And that's okay. Just like adults need downtime, kids do too.

Still, if you’re curious about whether a game can positively contribute to your child’s learning journey, consider these clues:

• Does the game involve planning or strategy? Games that require your child to build, solve problems, or make choices that impact the outcome can reinforce cognitive flexibility and logic.
• Is there storytelling or reading involved? Games with rich narratives encourage reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and even empathy.
• Is failure part of the process? In many educational games, failure isn't punished but used as a learning moment—just like in real life.

We explored these questions more deeply in this guide to identifying truly educational video games.

When gaming becomes a bridge, not a barrier

Take the example of Matteo, a 9-year-old who used to plead for more Roblox time every evening. His mom, Ana, was frustrated—until she noticed something. Matteo found it easier to describe plotlines and strategies from his games than to talk about the books from school. So she started asking him to retell his in-game adventures—who he helped, what puzzles he solved—and built on that.

Eventually, she began helping him write his own short stories inspired by his gameplay. From there, Matteo got involved in choosing books that had similar themes. One small shift—listening, not lecturing—turned play into a meaningful learning bridge.

And Ana added a new trick: turning Matteo’s school lessons into audio adventures he could listen to during car rides, where he was the hero of the story. (It’s a feature offered by the Skuli app—available on iOS and Android—that seamlessly blends curriculum content with interactive storytelling using your child's name. It gave Matteo the same imaginative immersion he loved in games, but focused on fractions and geography instead.)

Finding balance—without constant battles

One of the fears we often hear from parents is: how much gaming is too much? The answer isn’t always about screen time limits, but rather screen time quality. In this in-depth look at gaming time limits, we explore how to better define healthy boundaries with your child, rather than imposing them blindly. Creating structure without making games taboo helps reduce pushback and makes learning feel like less of a chore in comparison.

And lastly—keep an eye on behavioral changes. Not all children respond to games the same way. For some, certain types of games can increase frustration, impulsivity, or even sleep issues. We go into the nuances of game-related behavior shifts in this article.

From reluctant learners to curious explorers

At the end of a long day, it can feel overwhelming to sort through what’s “good” and “bad” for your child. But here’s what we’ve seen again and again: when children are invited to learn in a way that mirrors how they naturally explore the world—curiously, playfully, creatively—they're far more likely to engage and retain what they learn.

Learning doesn’t have to look like it did when we were kids. And it doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right tools, a shift in mindset, and a pinch of play, even a video game can plant the seeds of knowledge—and maybe even bring a little peace to your evenings.

And that’s a level-up we can all get behind.