HI HR70

Request Department of Health and Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to review existing research on screen time and media consumption impacts on children's and adolescents' physical, cognitive, and emotional health.

Require departments to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2019 Regular Session convening.

Report must include key research points on screen-related health effects, policies implemented by other states and countries, plans for departmental action, and explanation of responsibility division between the two departments.

Resolution cites research linking excessive screen time to obesity, attention issues, developmental delays, poor interpersonal skills, mental health decline, and increased suicide risk among teens consuming more than three hours daily.

Resolution notes smartphone penetration among teens reached 50% in 2012 and references legislation enacted in China, South Korea, and Taiwan to limit children's screen time through public health campaigns, counseling, and mandatory classes.