Ethics: Should you have a DVD/VCR in your car?

Children watch television these days, lots and lots of television. And, as a concession to the television culture, all minivans these days come with at least the option of having a VCR/DVD player in them. But is it good to have such a device in the car? After all, it’s not as though kids have a lot of other options for the use of their time in the constrained quarters. It certainly keeps them entertained and mostly quiet. But is there a downside in terms of anything worth mentioning? And how does the presence of television alter the nature and value of a long drive, such as for family vacations? Is boredom an inherently unhealthy condition?

Links:
What’s wrong with boredom? by CS Monitor