The answer is probably obvious to teachers and parents but there has been a study done to prove we are correct. The results are surprising.
This is one of those studies that we hope didn't take massive time or large amounts of tax dollars. Of course, kids are enjoying video games more than homework. We were all kids at one time. Given the choice of video games, TV, MSN, MP3 players or homework, who would have chosen homework? However, how much time is spent on these games and do girls or boys play them more?
Doctors Are Concerned
Prior studies have shown that students prone to attention difficulties seem to be the ones that play video games more often. Studies have also shown that students with poor academic performance brag about how much time they spend playing video games. Some doctors have suggested that these video games are becoming addictive. [Julie Steenhuysen, canada.com, July 4, 2007]
Michigan Study
A University of Michigan study lead by Hope Cummings does show that students that play video games spend less time doing homework. Cummings said, "Gamers did spend less time reading and doing homework but they didn't spend less time interacting with their parents or their friends, nor did they spend less time in sports or active leisure activities." The study appears in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. [Julie Steenhuysen, canada.com, July 4, 2007]
Texas Study
The University of Texas at Austin took a different slant on the issue. This college wanted to see if the video games affected student academic pursuits and social relationships. They sampled kids aged 10 to 19 in 2002. 1491 students participated.
- 36 percent played video games
- 80 percent of those playing the video games were boys
Time Spent Playing Video Games
Boys spent an average per day playing video games:
- 58 minutes on weekdays
- 97 minutes on weekends
Girls spent an average per day playing video games:
- 44 minutes on weekdays
- 64 minutes on weekends
More Stats
- Boys spent less time reading
- Girls spent less time on homework
- Neither boys nor girls spent less time with friends or parents
Conclusion
The researchers of the study did reach some conclusions.
- Video gamers are not socially isolated.
- Video gamers may spend less time doing homework but they seem to get it done.
- While the video games are a distraction, they don't seem to hurt grades.
More study is needed on why this is so but it seems like the video gamers use their time more efficiently doing homework so they can get back to the video games. [Julie Steenhuysen, canada.com, July 4, 2007]
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
