I have nothing against video games. They can be fun, and kids need fun. But, like chocolate cake and all the other treats we give them, use in moderation -- and with supervision. Screen the games. Some are pretty disturbing.
Like Grand Theft Auto 4. It's a car racing game, right? Sounds harmless. It's not. The whole series glamorizes violence. "Fun" is defined as beating prostitutes, drug running, stealing, going to strip clubs, killing police, running over pedestrians, carjacking, drive-by shootings, and drunk driving. In the new release (it hit stores end of April) there are cut scenes of racy lap dances, simulated sex acts, and a strange "player incentive" -- if you proposition prostitutes, you get a health boost.
Don't let this game into your home. Frankly, I'd rather have kids shooting zombies. At least that doesn't confuse their value system.
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