Is Akihabara okay for families?

Or is there too much dodgy stuff?

No problem very safe.
Most shop open around 10:00-19:00.

http://youtu.be/Qvk96SCvaCo

Akihabara is a safe spot, just watch it in some stores, the higher levels are for Adults/Hentai anime

oh, in a few stores the lower levels that goes down are for adults/hentai anime. just make sure you keep a close eyes on the kids in some store, the signs will be posted but easy to walk pass by if your not looking.then BAM! your like WOW. watch how many high floors or low floors there are that where the adult/hentai stuff are. keep the kids out.but Akihabara is safe

Akihabara is a good for family
Thare are some sightseeing spots for example Kanda shrine, Amanoya etc.

http://japan-magical.blogspot.jp/search/label/Akihabara

A family can be enjoyed in Akihabara.
Public toilets are limited in Akihabara area. So use inside Akihabara Station toilets(ticket needed) or use Multimedia Akiba(Yodobashi Akiba) toilets. If you have a baby then I recommend you to go Multimedia Akiba(Yodobashi akiba) toilets.
Resaurants/cafes are still limited in Akihabara. You may not have much chance to sit while you are in Akihabara. There are 3 mcdonalds restaurants around Akihabara Station.
The most video shops on Showa-dori Avenue(Denkigai-dori Avenue) sell pornographic DVD, games, and adults goods on the ground floor and above floor, so if one of you don't like to see those goods be careful. Akihabara is still a male dominant town.