OPINION: Promoting children's behavioral health: Why Idaho needs stricter access to technology in schools
| March 6, 2024 1:00 AM
As members of the Idaho Behavioral Health Council, we are deeply concerned about the increasing behavioral health issues among children, particularly those stemming from the misuse of technology and social media. House Bill 663 will provide for more restrictive access to phones and social media in schools for children, alongside the implementation of a digital literacy course. This bill aims to address the negative impacts of excessive screen time and empower students to navigate the digital world responsibly.
In recent years, we have witnessed a concerning rise in behavioral health issues among children, including anxiety, depression and cyberbullying. Incidents of suicide in Idaho children have been higher than ever. Much of this can be attributed to the pervasive influence of technology and social media in their lives. Excessive screen time has been linked to poor sleep quality, decreased physical activity and impaired social skills. Moreover, constant exposure to inappropriate content and online harassment can have serious repercussions on children's mental and emotional well-being.
To combat these issues, our proposed bill includes provisions authorizing schools to implement stricter controls on internet access, social media and phone usage. This includes filtering or blocking access to obscene materials, harmful content and platforms that depict the sexual exploitation of minors. By creating a safer online environment within schools, we can mitigate the negative influences of technology and protect children from exposure to harmful content.
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