Bill Text: MI HR0065 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare the week of April 18-24, 2011, as Screen-Free Week in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-1)
Status: (Passed) 2011-04-26 - Adopted [HR0065 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-HR0065-Enrolled.html
Reps. Switalski, Brown, Constan, Heise, LeBlanc, Liss and Slavens offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 65.
A resolution to declare the week of April 18-24, 2011, as Screen-Free Week in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Screen-Free Week is an enjoyable and innovative way to improve children's well-being by reducing dependence on entertainment screen media, including television, video games, computers, and hand-held devices, thus offering time for children to go outside, read, daydream, create, explore, and spend more time with family and friends; and
Whereas, Preschool children spend an average of 32 hours a week with screen media; and
Whereas, School-age children exposed to excessive screen time may also suffer the effects of childhood obesity, sleep disturbances, attention span issues, increased psychological difficulties, negative attitudes toward school, long-term academic failure, poor homework completion, less healthy dietary habits, less physical activity, and fewer family meals; and
Whereas, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 2 and less than 2 hours per day for older children; and
Whereas, Increased screen time for toddlers leaves less time for engagement in creative play, establishing the foundation of learning, constructive problem solving, and creativity; and
Whereas, Research demonstrates the benefits of reduced screen time for children, such as a higher academic performance, healthier lifestyle, prevention for later behavioral problems, and a decreased interest in television in later years; and
Whereas, Screen-Free Week establishes the foundation for important lifestyle adjustments that will develop the well-being and quality of life in children all year round; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body
declare the week of April 18-24, 2011, as Screen-Free Week in the state of Michigan.
