PRINTER'S NO. 3191
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
455
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY STEELE, HILL-EVANS, PROBST, SCHLOSSBERG, GIRAL,
MADSEN, CERRATO, DONAHUE, O'MARA, SHUSTERMAN, SAPPEY, KAZEEM,
CURRY AND SCOTT, MAY 29, 2024
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH, MAY 29, 2024
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Department of Health of the Commonwealth to study
the impact of smart phones on children's health and
development.
WHEREAS, Sixty percent of children are exposed to smart
phones prior to five years of age; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 80% of teenagers own smart phones,
with half of all youth in the United States owning a personal
phone by 11 years of age; and
WHEREAS, The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that
children under 18 to 24 months of age refrain from screen time;
and
WHEREAS, Additionally, children two to five years of age
should have a limited screen time of no more than one
consecutive hour per day; and
WHEREAS, According to psychologists, a decline in children's
mental health, including anxiety, depression, self-harm and
suicide, is associated with the growing use of smart phones,
which has increased access to social media; and
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WHEREAS, Data has demonstrated that smart phone use
negatively affects sleeping patterns, making it increasingly
difficult for young people to fall asleep, which leads to
reduced alertness and cognitive functioning; and
WHEREAS, It is vitally important to ensure that
Pennsylvania's youths are protected from potential harms
associated with smart phones; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the
Department of Health of the Commonwealth to study the impact of
smart phones on children's health and development; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Department of Health issue a report of its
findings on its Internet website, share the report with the
General Assembly, recommend alternatives and consider
requirements for pediatricians to provide the department's
guidelines to parents within one year of the passage of this
resolution.
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