Theft has always been condemned in China. Chinese people have looked down upon thieves for thousands of years. But strangely, theft has now become a neutral - even appreciative - word because of online games such as "Happy Farm", which is indeed ridiculous, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

Many parents have been complaining that it has become difficult to inculcate their children with social and moral values because of the impact of online games. Most children below 10 years are addicted to online and video games. They are obsessed with beating their peers in these games, even if they have to cheat. It is thus impossible to teach them moral lessons.

Many children do not think twice before stealing money from their friends. Such is the impact of online games that a lot of them ignore their parents' scolding and warning not to do so again. They are not afraid of being punished, either.

The disappearing difference between good and bad among today's children is making it difficult for parents and teachers to teach them the importance of values.

It is thus the responsibility of software writers not to develop games that can convey the wrong message to children. Instead of being blinded by the lure of the lucre, they should develop games which draw a distinctive line between good and evil and right and wrong.

Editor：Xu Xinlei