What Role Do Video Games Play in Children's Cognitive Development?

Understanding the Complex Impact of Video Games on the Developing Brain

If you're the parent of a child aged 6 to 12, chances are you've had the video game conversation. Maybe it was after a long day when your child was reluctant to start their homework but more than ready to turn on the console. You might find yourself wondering: are video games stunting their learning—or could they actually be helping in ways I don't fully understand?

It’s a tough question. And like so many aspects of parenting in the digital age, the answer isn’t black and white. Video games aren’t inherently good or bad; it all comes down to how they’re used, what they’re used for, and how they balance—or compete—with the rest of your child’s world.

Not All Games Are Created Equal—And That's a Good Starting Point

It might surprise you to know that certain types of video games can enhance problem-solving skills, nurture creativity, and even build memory and coordination. Think of puzzle-based games, strategy quests, or language-rich adventures. Studies have shown that children who engage with these types of games often demonstrate improved visual-spatial skills and strategic thinking over time.

But just like not every book is a classic, not every game is a brain booster. Games focused purely on action or repetition, with minimal story or thought required, may offer short bursts of excitement but little in the way of cognitive growth. As a parent, learning to tell the difference between educational and recreational games can be a powerful tool in guiding your child's screen time.

When (and How) Games Are Played Matters

Let’s say your child is deep into a role-playing game that requires thoughtful decision-making and reading cues embedded in the environment. That’s not mindless play—that’s active mental engagement. The key is moderation. Just as even healthy food can be unhealthy when eaten excessively, even educational games can become harmful when they start replacing sleep, physical play, or school responsibilities.

One of the growing concerns among parents is: At what point do video games start interfering with learning? It’s often less about a numerical age and more about the developmental context. If your child starts postponing homework, rushing through tasks, or disengaging from family activities to get back to a game, that’s a red flag. On the flip side, if gaming is approached as a reward or structured within a routine, it can become part of a healthy digital diet.

Beyond Entertainment: Learning Through Play

It’s not just about math and logic. Some video games foster literacy and even second-language acquisition. Yes, children can learn English—or any language—by playing games steeped in dialogue, reading prompts, and character interaction. Role-playing and story-centric titles especially encourage a deeper engagement with language, storytelling, and narrative thinking.

Games with strong narratives trigger the same cognitive centers that are activated by reading or listening to stories. For children who struggle with traditional reading, these games may offer alternate avenues to build vocabulary, narrative skills, and comprehension.

Balancing Active and Passive Learning Tools

As beneficial as some screen time can be, it's equally important to provide your child with restorative, screen-free cognitive engagement. That might include reading books, playing outside, or simply listening to stories together. The iOS or Android LISN Kids App offers a gentle and imaginative counterbalance: original audiobooks and series designed to nurture brain development without additional screen time. Especially during bedtime or quiet afternoon moments, it provides a restorative break from interactive media while still engaging the child’s imagination and language centers.

So… What Should You Do as a Parent?

Instead of resisting video games altogether, consider approaching them like any other childhood activity: with curiosity, boundaries, and conversation.

• Play together when possible. Understanding the content firsthand helps you make better decisions.
• Set predictable routines—after homework, limited to weekends, or with time limits—to prevent constant negotiation.
• Choose games with real educational or cognitive value. Our guide to the most educational types of video games for kids under 12 can help you get started.
• Encourage storytelling and reflection. Ask your child what decisions they made, what they learned, or what surprised them in the game.

In the end, your child’s cognitive development won’t hinge on one game or app. It’s about the larger landscape of learning, play, and connection you cultivate at home. When video games are chosen with care and placed in the context of a nurturing routine, they can be one more tool—a powerful one—to help your child grow, think, and thrive.