Number
030710
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
Title
Resolution urging the United States Congress to adopt legislation to reduce the exposure of children to media violence.
Analysis
This resolution urges the United States Congress to adopt legislation to reduce the exposure of children to violence through the media, including, but not limited to:
1. The creation of a comprehensive universal system for labeling violent content in audio and visual media products, including the appropriateness of such products for minors.
2. The prohibition, as a false and deceptive trade practice, of targeting children in the advertisement and other marketing of entertainment products rated for adults, and the authorization of the Federal Trade Commission to stop these practices.
3. The prohibition of the sale or rental of adult video games to minors.
Body
Whereas, According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 1,000 studies have confirmed a link between media violence and aggressive behavior in children; and
Whereas, In recognition of the real and dangerous consequences associated with children's exposure to media violence and considerable pressure placed on the entertainment industry by political leaders and advocacy groups, various self-regulatory product rating or labeling programs have been adopted in order to enable parents to have a greater opportunity to protect their children from media content they deem inappropriate; and
Whereas, Despite the existence of these programs, the Federal Trade Commission, in a September 2000 report, harshly criticized the music, movie and video game industries for routinely targeting children under the age of 17 in the advertisement of adult-related products; and
Whereas, Neighborhoods throughout the City of Milwaukee have, in recent months, seen the tragic consequences of youth violence all too frequently, and Milwaukee County taxpayers incur costs of...
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