MI HR0354

Designates May 5-11, 2014, as Screen-Free Week in Michigan to encourage reduced dependence on entertainment screen media including television, video games, computers, and handheld devices.

Cites research showing preschool children average 32 hours per week of screen time and that excessive screen exposure is linked to childhood obesity, sleep disturbances, attention problems, academic failure, and behavioral issues.

Notes potential harms of media exposure including increased depression and anxiety, poor self-esteem, eating disorders from body image dissatisfaction, desensitization to violence, and risky sexual behaviors in teens.

References American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of no screen time for children under 2 and less than 2 hours daily for older children.

Identifies benefits of reduced screen time including improved academic performance, healthier lifestyles, prevention of behavioral problems, and development of creative play and learning skills.