For many Canadian families, banning video games at the door just isn't realistic - and not necessarily even a good idea. But what is important, parenting experts say, is to be diligent about monitoring their use, especially for younger children.
Set consistent limits: Decide when the games can be played and for how long.
Count all screen time: The DS, the computer, the television all add up. Let kids decide how they want to divide their time.
Watch for signs of a problem: If your son or daughter only seems happy when in front of a screen, it's probably time to cut down on use.
Choose wisely: Common Sense Media suggests selecting games that have strong female or minority characters, for instance. Pick games that encourage co-operative work.
Assess violence levels: Elizabeth Vandewater, a video-game researcher, suggests looking at how characters die in the game. In the least violent games, for example, characters may simply disappear, with only an innocuous sound effect.
Play together: Talk to your kids about what games they like.