Study: Half Of American Children 8 And Under Have Played A Console Game

More than half of American children 8 years old or less have played console video games, says a new report [PDF] from non-profit organization Common Sense Media. According to the study, 51 percent of American children 8 and under have ever played a console video game at some point in their lives, including 44 percent of children 2 to 4 years old and 81 percent of children 5 to 8 years old. The report points out that young children are also gaining access to mobile devices and computers at an early age, indicating that digital media is playing an increasingly prominent role in children's lives. Among the children that have played a console game, Common Sense Media says the average age of a child's first exposure to games falls at just less than 4 years old. In addition, among 5 to 8 year olds who have played games, 36 percent continue to play games at least once a week, and 17 percent play at least once per day.