The July ’08 issue of Game Informer magazine (yes, we have a subscription to it … go ahead … tell me what a cool mom I am. 😉  haha, I know) includes an Editor’s note about the release of Grand Theft Auto IV and the subsequent media backlash about it.

I thought the editorial was well-written and dovetails with my latest discussion paper on harm through imitation. Andy McNamara, Ed-in-Chief points out the fact that like many movies, books, magazines and video games, GTA-IV is not for kids. (Duh – Read the rating.)

For the record, I don’t like first-person shooters, and if I have anything to say about it (and for now, I most certainly do), my kids won’t be playing any. However, like I discussed in my paper, the problem with trying to inhibit violent media across the board is where to draw the line, who gets to draw it and who enforces it.

As McNamara stated, “Games are no longer a small segment of our culture.” Games can be entertaining, educational and an outlet from reality. Parents are responsible for what their kids view and play. Let the rating system stand as a guide, but use responsible judgment.