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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: May 6, 2025 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-f <br /> SUBJECT: Board of Health (BOH) Resolution Addressing Social Media Use, Screen Time, <br /> and Mental Health <br /> DEPARTMENT: Health, Board of <br /> Commissioners <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Quintana Stewart, Orange County <br /> Board of Health Resolution Health Director, 919-245-2412 <br /> PURPOSE: To: <br /> 1) Recognize social media use among youth as a significant public health concern and mental <br /> health risk as detailed in the attached resolution from the Orange County Board of Health; <br /> and <br /> 2) Express support for countywide recognition of"Screen Free Week" during May 5-11, 2025. <br /> BACKGROUND: During its March 2024 Annual Retreat, the Orange County Board of Health <br /> adopted three Priority Areas to align with the 2023 Community Health Assessment Priorities. <br /> These priorities included Access to Care, Behavioral Health and Connections to Community <br /> Support. The Board create committees to do additional work to support these priority areas. The <br /> Behavioral Health Committee has a focus on mental health, suicide and substance use. Some of <br /> the work related to mental health has led to a narrow focus on social media/screen time and the <br /> impact on youth mental health. Dr. Aparna Jonnal, former BOH Chair, expressed concern about <br /> screen time and social media and the impact on youth. As an Emergency Department physician, <br /> Dr. Jonnal has observed behaviors from young patients that has been unsettling. Members of <br /> the Behavioral Health Committee have researched the issue and received presentations from <br /> staff at the UNC Gillings School of Public Health. Health Director Quintana Stewart has met with <br /> Superintendents from both the local school districts to understand their respective policies related <br /> to cell phones at school. <br /> As a result of the information gathered, the Board of Health drafted a resolution during its March <br /> 15, 2025 Annual Board Retreat to highlight the impact of social media and screen time on youth <br /> mental health. The BOH seeks to promote the national cam paign,"Screen-Free Week", observed <br /> May 5 — 11, 2025, as a way to educate the Orange County community on the potential harmful <br /> effects of screen time and social media to youth mental health. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County financial impact associated with this item. <br />