Video games reduce the risk of depression in boys, research

Boys who play video games at the age of 11 have a lower risk of depression in the years to come or in the future.

This was revealed in a medical study (research) in the United Kingdom.

The University College London study also found that girls who spend more time on social media are more likely to have symptoms of depression. 

Combining the two, results show how time spent in front of the screen in different ways can have a positive or negative effect on children's mental health.

Experts involved in the research, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, say that screens allow us to be part of a variety of activities.

Guidelines in this regard should be formulated keeping in view the extent to which various activities affect mental health.

"While we cannot confirm that playing games improve mental health, the results suggest that it is not only a harmful habit but also has some benefits, especially during epidemics," he said.

He added that video games can be a social platform for children and youth.

"We need to reduce the sitting time for children and adults to maintain good physical and mental health, but that doesn't mean the screens themselves are harmful," he said.

The study looked at data from more than 11,000 children, a study conducted between 2000 and 2002.

The children were asked questions about playing social media, playing video games, or using the Internet, and at the age of 14, they were asked about their symptoms of depression.

The research team also considered other factors such as socioeconomic status, level of physical activity, and others.

The results showed that boys who are more accustomed to playing video games have a 24% lower risk of developing depressive symptoms over the next 3 years.

This benefit was more noticeable in less physically active boys while no such effect was observed in girls.

The researchers said that there are some positive aspects of video games that support mental health.

The researchers also found that 11-year-old girls spend more time on social media. After 3 years, their risk of developing depression increases to 13%.

Researchers have not been able to find a clear link between the general use of the Internet and the symptoms of depression.