For kids around the world, video games are a source of fun in their everyday lives. To learn more about their gaming experiences, Viacom Global Insights recently surveyed kids in 30 countries*, including 4,800 kids 6 to 11.  Here are some key insights about the world of gaming for kids 6 to 11:

6 in 10 either own or have access to a game console. While 61% regularly use a game console, 35% own one personally. Among kids who have access to a game console, most (69%) have one in the household and 19% have two.

Kids really love their game consoles. Among kids who own game consoles, nearly 7 in 10 kids (69%) agree that they “love this device and couldn’t live without it.” A similar percentage (62%) says they use their console daily.

On mobile devices, playing games is kids’ #1 activity. About 7 in 10 kids have access to a tablet or smartphone, and about 4 in 10 personally own one. Among those who own a tablet or smartphone, 85% play games. This ranked ahead of taking pictures (69%), listening to music (69%) and watching videos (66%).

Video games are boys’ #1 favorite activity – and for many, a source of connection to other kids. Nearly 6 in 10 boys (58%) say that playing video games is their favorite thing to do. (By comparison, video games are the favorite activity for 31% of girls.) Additionally, nearly a third of boys (30%) say that video games are one of the most important things that help them fit in with other kids at school.

Some kids game to calm down in anxious moments. To relax when feeling stressed, 37% of kids play games on a phone or tablet and 32% play video or computer games.

Kids influence parents’ game console purchases. Some even use PowerPoint to make their case! Nearly two-thirds of parents (62%) say their child played a role in choosing a video game console purchased for the household. To ask for something they really wanted, a third of kids (32%) have made a presentation like a PowerPoint, video, drawing or report. While toys were the #1 thing these kids have bargained for (45%), video games (31%) and game consoles (27%) ranked second and third.

* 30 countries surveyed: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, US, UK