Limiting screen time for children at a time when video games are becoming a potential source of income is getting more challenging for parents, writes Dr. Leonard Sax for The New York Times.

Sax, a West Chester-based family doctor, often hears from parents about how their attempts to limit the time their children spend playing video games is met with significant resistance. The child, usually a teenager, responds to such requests by saying they want to be a professional gamer.

This argument has some merit. E-sports are booming. A Pottsgrove teenager recently earned $3 million by winning the first-ever Fortnite World Cup. Millions of young people now pay real money to watch other young Americans play video games and even colleges are taking notice.

In such an environment, the solution for parents is to make sure there is balance. Parents should support their children’s desire to become professional gamers, just as they would with any sport, but not at the cost of everything else.

This means, for example, allowing them time to play and improve their skills, while ensuring homework and other responsibilities come first.

Read more about children and video games in The New York Times here.

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