Bill Text: HI SB2458 | 2020 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Screen Time Awareness.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2020-05-11 - Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Thielen excused (1). [SB2458 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2020-SB2458-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2458 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO SCREEN TIME AWARENESS.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there is a growing body of empirical data and anecdotal evidence suggesting that time spent in front of digital image screens has a negative impact on children's mental health and their ability to form healthy relationships. Neuroscience research shows that social media, video games, and web surfing trigger the same dopamine networks that are triggered by drug use. A growing body of evidence also suggests that excessive digital image screen time may be contributing to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among teens.
The average youth in Hawaii is reported to spend three hours a day playing video games, which may impact their attention spans and motivation levels. The excess digital image screen time may negatively affect their academic and professional success. Despite research that demonstrates these negative effects and despite the fact that managing digital image screen time is a common problem for many parents, the State lacks resources for educating families on the risks of and best practices for limiting excessive digital image screen time.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the creation of an informational website and educational outreach campaign on the effects of excessive digital image screen time on the mental health of children and teens and their ability to form strong, healthy relationships.
SECTION 2. (a) The department of health shall develop and host a website that informs the public of the impacts of excessive digital image screen time on the mental health and relationships of children and teens. At a minimum, the website shall:
(1) Summarize and provide links to research on the effects of excessive digital image screen time on the mental health of children and teens and their ability to form healthy relationships;
(2) Link to any available national websites that offer evidence-based digital image screen time guidelines based on age group; and
(3) Provide a list of national websites that offer evidenced-based resources and best practices that parents may consult when deciding how to manage their family's digital image screen time and overall health.
(b) The department of health shall launch a public education campaign to:
(1) Warn about the effects of excessive digital image screen time on the mental health of children and teens and their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships;
(2) Provide a list of warning signs and negative impacts of the over-consumption of digital image screen time;
(3) Identify best practices parents can follow when limiting and monitoring digital image screen time; and
(4) List alternative activities for individuals and families.
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the creation of a website and educational outreach campaign on the effects of excessive digital image screen time on children and teens as required by section 2.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
DOH; Screen Time; Website; Public Education Campaign; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates funds for the Department of Health to create and host a website and launch a public education campaign on the effects of excessive digital image screen time on children and teens. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
