Grand Theft Auto IV comes out today. I’m not gonna lie: this is a video game in which, if you choose, you can get a taste of what it’s like to commit horrific and sensationalized criminal acts.
And that’s it. A taste. If you choose.
Nothing more, and nothing less.
Grand Theft Auto IV will not train you on hijacking cars, shooting guns, or any of a number of other criminal acts.
All you’re being trained to do, if anything, is press buttons.
That being said, it’s still rated for mature audiences—just like the Godfather movies and Sopranos TV series, which have similar subject matter.
And just like everything else intended for mature audiences, your kids will probably want access to it.
If you’re a parent or an educator concerned about Grand Theft Auto IV, the very first people to listen to are your kids.
I say “listen to” for a very specific reason: find out what they think of the game, first. You’ll probably find a reaction similar to the one you had when watching Scarface or the Godfather movies: it’s exciting, and worthy of discussion, but it’s just a movie.
Or, in the case of GTA IV, just a game.
I cannot stress this enough: your kids are the most important people in your life, so find out what they think about it.
“Politicians and industry experts” will have their opinions about GTA IV, but they don’t have a vested interest in your kids.
You do.
So make your kids feel like they’re being heard and they’re important to you, instead of just panicking about what you see on TV.
You’ll probably be surprised by the wisdom you find.
If you’re concerned about the sale of GTA IV to kids under the age of 17, or you wish to report the evidence of it happening, contact the Retail Council of Canada. Their representative in Manitoba is:
Larry McInnes, (204) 253-1654
or by e-mail at lmcinnes@retailcouncil.org
- Young Josh
