Video Games and GCSEs: Too Much Gaming Can Harm Exams

Video games are everywhere. For many teenagers, they are a daily habit and a major source of entertainment. But when gaming begins to take priority over study, sleep, and focus, the consequences can be serious—especially during the crucial GCSE years.

Research carried out in Northern Ireland raises important concerns about the impact of excessive video game use on exam performance. The study followed more than 600 pupils aged 14 to 16 and found a worrying link between frequent gaming and lower GCSE results.

The hidden cost of excessive gaming

According to the research, students who played video games at least twice a day were far less likely to achieve five good GCSE passes (grades A*–C). Only 41 per cent of frequent gamers reached this benchmark, compared with 77 per cent of pupils who played less than once a week.

While the study does not prove that video games directly cause lower grades, the pattern is clear: heavy gaming is associated with poorer academic outcomes at a time when focus and consistency matter most.

Why gaming can interfere with learning

There are several reasons why excessive gaming may negatively affect GCSE students:

• Reduced study time – Time spent gaming often replaces revision, homework, or reading.

• Lower concentration – Fast-paced games can make it harder for students to focus on slower, more demanding tasks like exam preparation.

• Sleep disruption – Late-night gaming can reduce sleep quality, which directly affects memory, attention, and mood.

• Mental fatigue – Long gaming sessions can leave students mentally drained, making learning feel harder than it needs to be.

Not all screen time is equal

The study also found something important: screen time used for learning can be beneficial. Pupils who spent around three hours a day using a computer for homework achieved the strongest GCSE results. In contrast, students who spent no time—or excessive time—using a computer for homework performed worse.

This highlights a crucial point: how technology is used matters far more than simply how much it is used.

What parents should be aware of

Researchers recommend that parents take an active role in managing gaming habits, particularly during exam years. This includes:

• Setting clear limits on daily gaming time

• Encouraging regular breaks and healthy sleep routines

• Making sure revision and homework come before leisure screen time

While many pupils say they feel safe online, safety is not the only concern. Academic focus, motivation, and wellbeing are just as important.

A message for GCSE students

Video games are not the enemy—but too much gaming at the wrong time can quietly undermine your hard work. GCSEs are a short but critical stage, and the habits you build now can shape your future opportunities.

Reducing gaming during exam periods does not mean giving it up forever. It means making smart choices that put your goals first.

At Atalan Academy, we encourage students and families to think carefully about balance. When gaming is controlled and study is prioritised, students give themselves the best chance to succeed—not just in exams, but beyond them too.