Computer games can make children more friendly and boost their education.

The findings by scientists at the University of Sussex go against current beliefs about the dangers of arcade and home games.

They have been blamed for creating a generation of dumbed-down schoolchildren with short attention spans who are prone to violent outbursts.

Parents have suffered temper tantrums from children as they refuse to join the family for meals or go out and play with friends.

But the latest technology allows games players to talk over the internet while learning the latest moves and the scientists claim this will encourage children to be more sociable.

Dr John Halloran, who led the experiments, said: "Our research shows there is genuine potential for the new talk-enabled, multi-player games to help people join in and learn. They will have a more vivid experience and even make new friends."

Nick Baynes, 29, a development director at Climax in Brighton, which designs games for the Xbox and other products, said: "This adds another level of interaction to the game. When the kids are playing they are talking to other players from around the world and not just sitting in front of a TV by themselves.

"It will help teenagers to get to know each other and different cultures - a kid in Brighton can be playing with someone in Kentucky or Paris and can be talking to them as well. But it's still no replacement for playing football in the street."

Xbox enthusiast Andrew Battle, 21, of Elm Grove, Brighton, said chatting on the internet while gaming allowed him to keep in touch with friends.

He said: "Computer gaming is a social thing. You do it with friends while having a beer. This allows you to play with people from all over the country and all around the world."

The Brighton and Hove City College student said: "I have played against friends of mine who live at university and it's a good way of interacting with them.

"Even though they're 100 miles away, we can game together so it keeps friendships going."

Some parents were not impressed with the research and voiced serious concerns about the new technology.

Paul Eddy, 44, of Bates Road, Brighton, said his young sons William, ten, and Harry, five, had already become very involved with their games.

One of the boys allowed the bath to overflow this week after becoming distracted by his Playstation.

Their father said: "I would not be happy with my sons chatting on the internet because there is an unknown person at the other end.

"They could be talking to older children with a different view on things. I don't want my ten-year-old son learning to swear at everything."