In 2022, around 60 percent of children in Germany played computer games at least once a week. Out of these, 23 percent played nearly every day. 29 percent of children stated that they never played online games.
Playing computer games
Although there are divided opinions about the effects of computer games on a developing brain, for some, computer games provide the opportunity to escape to a fantasy land and switch off from the outside world. The most popular computer game among children was the sandbox game, Minecraft. The game was first released in 2011 and has managed to sustain its popularity throughout the years. The game itself has no specific aim, but players can collect and “mine” blocks in order to build structures. Worldwide, Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies, showing that its popularity is not just limited to Germany.
The development of the internet
Whilst those currently in their mid-20s to early 30s grew up with very limited access to the internet, with smartphones only becoming widespread as they entered their teenage years, for children growing up now the internet is just a few clicks away for most of them. They can also undertake a wide range of activities on their devices. Over half of children aged six to 13 in Germany sent WhatsApp messages every day. Other popular activities included watching movies, YouTube, or using search engines to look something up. Although most of these activities are harmless, or sometimes even educational, there is a darker side to the internet. Five percent of children reported having seen content that was not suitable for children, and three percent saw something that made them uncomfortable. There are certain measures that adults can take to limit incidences such as this, but they are not failsafe. For example, almost 60 percent of female adolescents in the U.S. reported receiving unsolicited messages on Instagram that made them uncomfortable, and this is a trend that is applicable worldwide.
How often do you play computer, console and online games?
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During the survey period, children (6 to 13 years) as well as their main legal guardians were interviewed. This statistic is based on the children's answers. The source does not provide information on the original wording used during the survey. Thus, the wording chosen for this statistic may differ slightly from the one in the survey.
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mpfs. (June 15, 2023). How often do you play computer, console and online games? [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved August 24, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/422234/computer-games-usage-frequency-among-children-germany/
mpfs. "How often do you play computer, console and online games?." Chart. June 15, 2023. Statista. Accessed August 24, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/422234/computer-games-usage-frequency-among-children-germany/
mpfs. (2023). How often do you play computer, console and online games?. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: August 24, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/422234/computer-games-usage-frequency-among-children-germany/
mpfs. "How Often Do You Play Computer, Console and Online Games?." Statista, Statista Inc., 15 Jun 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/422234/computer-games-usage-frequency-among-children-germany/
mpfs, How often do you play computer, console and online games? Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/422234/computer-games-usage-frequency-among-children-germany/ (last visited August 24, 2024)
How often do you play computer, console and online games? [Graph], mpfs, June 15, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/422234/computer-games-usage-frequency-among-children-germany/