High School Students Playing Computer Games

the present research aimed to determine the preva- lence of computer games as a pastime amongst ado- lescents in the province of Zanjan, Iran. 1,500 students from 18 high-schools (750 girls, 750 boys) completed the researcher devised questionnaire consisting of a demo- graphic questions and questions asking if participants pla- yed computer games and the amount of time spent pla- ying. Findings showed that 53% of the participants were computer game players, and 43% spent more than three hours per week playing games. Boys played games more (68%) than did girls (39%). Playing computer games was most prevalent among freshmen (63%), followed by soph- mores (54%), juniors (57%) and seniors (50%). Students in urban areas played more (62%) than those living in ru- ral areas (35%). Research findings were compared to tho- se of similar studies in other countries.