Jessica says there is nothing in the books that she didn't already know about, and having learned about sex and relationships in school, there is no reason why she shouldn't read what she wants. Is she right? Or will her current reading choices cause future problems?

Dear Nervous: Our housekeeper used to loan me True Romance magazines. My mother might not have approved, but most people seem to think I turned out all right.

Literature may have become more risque than years ago, but these days the chances of sheltering your "mature, straight-A student" are slim. Rather than censor her reading, stress to her that if she has any questions about anything she can come to you for straight answers. Some might argue that the idealized depiction of romance, and women being "rescued" by powerful, wealthy men, is more worrisome than the sex and eroticism. However, if you are raising your daughter to respect feminist principles, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Two years ago, Andy's parents gave him a video game for Christmas. There is a monthly payment to play it. Well, Andy got hooked. He has spent thousands of hours on this game. When he crawls out of bed in the morning, the first thing he does is go to his computer to "check things." He plays many hours a day.

By all means bring this to the attention of Andy's parents. It appears their son has become addicted to the "rush" he gets from playing the video game, and he may need professional intervention.

CONTACT US: Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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