how to keep the kids from playing

Is the new "Grand Theft Auto" game packed with more murder and mayhem than you can imagine? Sure—and we like it that way. Is it appropriate for the little ones? Ah, no—and that's why your gaming console comes with parental controls. Here's how to use them.

As it should be, "Grand Theft Auto IV" is rated "M" for "mature" (which, according to the ESRB, "may" be suitable for ages 17 and up), meaning that gamers should brace themselves for "intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language." Sounds good to me, but this clearly isn't a game for 10-year-olds, no matter how many episodes of "CSI" they've seen.

Now, you parents out there probably aren't planning on buying GTA:IV—or any other "M"-rated game—for your little ones (right?), but if you're worried that your clever little gamers might get their hands on a copy anyway, here's how to keep them clear of Liberty City (well, at your house, at least).

PlayStation 3: From the main PS3 menu, scroll to Settings, then select Security Settings. If you haven't set a password yet, select the aptly named Change Password option. You'll be prompted for the current password—don't worry, unless you've changed it already, it's "0000". Pick a new password—not "1234," please—then press "X" to confirm.

Now, back in the Security Settings menu, select Parental Control. You'll see a list of "levels" ranging from one to 11. (Why didn't Sony just use the ESRB game ratings? Good question.) To restrict "M"-rated games like "Grand Theft Auto," select level 8. So now, if anyone tries to play GTA:IV or any other "M"-rated game on your PS3, they'll have to enter the password first.

Xbox 360: From the Dashboard, browse to the System blade, then select Family Settings, Console Controls, and finally Game Ratings. Now select the highest rating you're comfortable with letting your kids play. For example, if you have 14-year-olds at home, you might want to select "T" for "teen"; if your kids are 10 or under, "E" for everyone might be the ticket.

Once you've selected a rating, you'll return to the Console Controls menu. Scroll down, select Set Pass Code, and then create a four-button combination with the 360 controller (try to be creative). Finally, answer the pass code reset question (in case you forget the code), click Done, and you're all set.