Video games and their possible effects on children’s brains

Image Source: biology-bytes.com

The neurology of children who play video games has been a hot topic for the last few years. Some claim that excessive gaming has negative effects on children citing studies that suggest that video game players have less gray matter (the thinking part of the brain) compared to those who do not play. Meanwhile, there have also been studies that show that video games could potentially help in hand-eye coordination. 




This infographic sums up the possible effects of video game playing on specific areas of the brain. Here are some interesting things to note:  

Image Source: discovery.com

Premotor and parietal cortex: This is the part of the brain that controls sensory movement, and is activated by games that require real-time action.

 Rostral anterior: cingulate cortex and amygdala: This area deals with emotional response. Studies suggest that this area shows less activity during games that have a lot of violence. A popular theory is that players suppress their emotional response to cope with their violent actions.

Prefrontal cortex: This area handles decision-making and logical thinking. Games such as Tetris activate this area. However, when games are played frequently, it has been noted that there is a decrease in activity in the prefrontal lobe. This could potentially lead to aggressive behavior.

Mesocorticolombic center: This area is associated with reward and addiction. Certain studies suggest that males show a greater activation in this area than females. The amount of activation directly correlated with how far they advanced in the game.

Image Source: gamespot.com

Dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, is produced in higher amounts among video game players. This may result to a higher risk of addiction among children, if their parents do not properly manage their playing.


There is no question that video games affect the brain. However, determining whether these effects are ultimately beneficial or risky is still being decided. It is recommended that parents take a more proactive role in the development of their children’s brains by being aware of their extracurricular actives such as video game playing.  

Dr. Sagun Tuli is a Florida-based neurosurgeon, educator, and researcher. Subscribe to this Facebook page for related news and discussions on neurology.