Melrose seeks to spur discussions about violence

Under an initiative called “New Year – New Direction,” Melrose residents who turn in violent video games, movies and toys will receive coupons redeemable at local businesses.

Residents can bring items to the city yard and pick up coupons for deals at local businesses and maybe even a “get out of homework free” coupon for children, according to Mayor Robert Dolan.

The initiative was prompted by the Dec. 16 school massacre in Newtown, Conn., though Dolan said city officials were already interested in promoting discussion about video games before the shootings.

The mayor, who has two young children, acknowledged that initiating such conversations is not easy. He also pointed out that video games no longer have to be brought into a home; children can access violent games online.

Dolan said he hopes that encouraging families to sort through their electronic toys and games will spur discussions about their age-appropriateness, regardless of whether families turn in the items.

“We’re rewarding families for having that conversation,” he said.

The city is planning a forum featuring a child-development expert and, possibly, video game industry representatives to discuss the effects of violent games and toys on children. The forum, Dolan added, will be recorded and made available online for schools and parents.

Popular video games like “Halo” and “Call of Duty: Black Ops” depict horrific violence, but have a visible “Mature 17+” rating on the cover. Letting young children play such games is equivalent of letting young children see an R-rated movie, Dolan said.

Video game companies, he added, have done a good job of labeling their games for age-appropriateness, but parents need to be informed about what they are buying for their kids.