TITLE
RESOLUTION CONDEMNING VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES AND URGING FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS TO TAKE A GREATER INTEREST IN THE ACTIVITIES OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

BODY
WHEREAS, the occurrence of violent incidents involving teenagers and young adults in our schools and the community at large is increasing; and
WHEREAS, the levels of violence and carnage depicted in video games is increasing as games become more complex and computer graphics technology advances; and
WHEREAS, this Board is concerned that there might be a correlation between violent video game play and the incidence of short- and long-term aggressive behavior; and
WHEREAS, video game manufacturers appear to market their products to teenagers and young adults, the most impressionable members of our community; and
WHEREAS, studies suggest that violent video games may be more harmful than violent television and movies because of the interactive nature of such games which rewards players for increasingly aggressive, anti-social behavior and higher kills; and
WHEREAS, this Board is concerned about the apparent relationship between violent video games and violent incidents involving children in our schools and our community; and
WHEREAS, this Board believes that violent video game play desensitizes players to violence and its consequences in the real world,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board denounces the rising levels of violence and aggressive behavior portrayed in video games as a potential threat to the safety and security of all residents and visitors to Miami-Dade County due to the danger such games may lead to more violent, aggressive behavior in our community. Further, this Board urges all parents and schools to take a greater interest in the activities of the young people in their charge and to prevent these most impressionable members of our community from purchasing, renting or playing violent video games without their knowledge or guidance because it may desensitize them to the dangers of violent behavior and its consequences in the real world.