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Editorial: FTC probe may offer insight into violence

Thursday, June 3, 1999 | 10:51 a.m.

The shooting massacre at Littleton, Colo., has had a profound impact on America. In response, the Senate passed modest gun control legislation, which should help keep some firearms out of the hands of children. But gun control alone isn't the answer to curbing youth violence.

Another factor suspected of contributing to this problem is the violence children see on television, movies and video games. So on Tuesday President Clinton asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the marketing practices of the entertainment industry. Clinton wants to find out whether the violent material rated for adults also is aimed at children, much in the way that tobacco companies were accused of marketing their products for children.

Using the "bully pulpit" of his office, Clinton has been able to cajole the television industry to implement a voluntary ratings system, but it is important to know whether the entertainment industry is trying to lure children to adult materials with back door marketing practices.

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