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Study Shows Video Games Help Kids Socialize

by Dan Reilly on September 17, 2008 at 05:01 PM


Sorry, moms. According to a recent study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 97-percent of American kids aged 12 to 17 partake in video games, and two-thirds of them play while hanging out with friends or family. Another 25-percent socialize online, so it looks like the stereotype of the awkward, withdrawn gamer is less true than many believe.

The survey asked just over 1100 kids from diverse backgrounds and their parents about their gaming and interacting habits. Read on after the break for the highlights:


- 99-percent of boys and 94-percent of girls play video or computer games.

- The most popular titles, in order, are 'Guitar Hero', 'Halo 3', 'Madden', Solitaire, and 'Dance Dance Revolution'. Apparently, 80-percent of kids play games in five or more genres.

- While not in the majority, many teens went for games that included learning about communities and social issues, including titles such as 'Food Force' and 'Darfur Is Dying.' Also, kids who play any games regularly are just as likely to be active in their community.

- 75-percent of parents said they checked a game's rating, but 50-percent of boys claimed a game with a Mature or Adults Only rating was their favorite, compared to 14-percent of girls. Despite that, the researchers said violent games shouldn't be considered "bad," as ones like 'Halo' present opportunities for players to interact and help each other.

- One-third of parents said they play alongside their kids some or all of the time. Most were under 40 and grew up with video games.

There are more interesting finds in the related articles, but one thing we notice that's missing is the amount of time kids are putting down the controllers and being active. Alas, the stereotypes aren't completely gone. [Source: CNN and BBC News]

Tags: kids, surveys, trends

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