MN SF163

The legislature finds that screen overuse and misuse negatively impacts young people's physical health (sleep disturbances, obesity, eye strain), mental health (depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation), social skills (cyberbullying, loneliness), emotional regulation, and cognitive functioning (diminished academic performance, ADHD).

The commissioner of education must award a grant to LiveMore ScreenLess, a Minnesota-based organization, to promote digital well-being among students, parents, schools, and families.

Grant funds must be used to expand a digital well-being resource library, implement communication campaigns, provide trainings and workshops for educators and community organizations, and deliver peer education and leadership training programs.

The bill appropriates $1,250,000 for fiscal year 2024 and $1,750,000 for fiscal year 2025 from the general fund to the Department of Education for the grant program.