Video Games Can Undermine Child's GCSE Performance - Survey

Frequently playing video games can undermine a child's performance in their GCSEs, according to new research.

The 'ICT and Me' study of 14-16 year olds in Northern Ireland, found that only 41% of children who reported using a games console or portable games player a couple of times per day, achieved five good GCSE grades, compared to 77% of those who played games rarely.

The research, funded by the Office of the First Minster and Deputy First Minster, was published by the National Children's Bureau.

It confirmed that young people spend a significant time online each day, with four in 10 young people spending four hours or more online in the year they take GCSEs. However, much of the time is spent on recreational activities with many young people spending less than an hour each day using a computer for homework.

Pupils who spent around three hours every day using a computer to do homework achieved the best exam results, with 79% achieving five A* to C grades in their GCSEs. However those who spent no time on homework or who spent more than three hours on homework, did considerably worse with only 57% getting five good grades.

Celine McStravick, Director of the National Children's Bureau in Northern Ireland, said: "Young People are often so confident in their use of new technology that we can forget they need our support to establish good habits. Our research shows that using a computer for homework can help pupils consolidate learning and do better in exams, so schools should be regularly setting homework that requires the use of a computer and the internet."

(CD)