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<br /> ORANGE COUNTY
<br /> HEALTH DEPARTMENT
<br /> Improving health. Inspiring change.
<br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
<br /> RESOLUTION ADDRESSING SOCIAL MEDIA USE, SCREEN TIME,AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
<br /> WHEREAS, according to a recent survey one-third of all teens report being online and using social media platforms "almost
<br /> constantly";' and
<br /> WHEREAS, a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory warned that while social media may offer benefits, there is growing
<br /> evidence of risks to youth mental health including anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of sleep;2 and
<br /> WHEREAS, studies have found correlations between time spent on social media and mental health including one study
<br /> that found risk of anxiety and depression doubled in youth that spent more than three hours daily on social media;3 and
<br /> WHEREAS, adolescence represents a critical time in the brain development and studies have reported social media may
<br /> result in addictive behavior, decreased attention span, and lower test scores;4,5,6 and
<br /> WHEREAS, growing reports suggest social media can expose youth to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and heavily
<br /> edited comparisons that can lead to eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, and suicidal ideation;6 and
<br /> WHEREAS, evidence-based strategies to reduce the risks of social media include implementing device-free school policies,
<br /> setting screen-time limits at home, avoiding screens before bedtime, and educating families about the psychological effects
<br /> of social media;6,7,$ and
<br /> WHEREAS, time spent on social media and screens decreases time for exercise, sleep, in-person time with friends, and
<br /> other activities that are thought to improve mental health and healthy social development(for youth and adults).2,3,4,5,6
<br /> NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on this 261h day of March 2025, that we the Orange County Board of Health:
<br /> 1. Recognize social media use among youth as a significant public health concern and mental health risk.
<br /> 2. Recommend parents and caregivers establish screen-time limits for their children/teens, particularly restricting
<br /> device use on school nights and before bedtime, to promote healthy sleep habits.
<br /> 3. Urge parents to consider delaying getting their children smartphones and exploring pledges with other parents like
<br /> the"Wait Until 8th" initiative.9
<br /> 4. Encourage parents and young people to explore the resources listed below to further understand the impact of
<br /> digital technology on youth development.
<br /> 5. Support"Away for the Day" policies in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools that restrict
<br /> personal device use during school hours to support focus and well-being.
<br /> 6. Suggest Orange County school districts or the county explore joining ongoing class action lawsuits against social
<br /> media companies,with the goals of funding additional mental health services for youth and/or requiring social media
<br /> companies to improve their age verification and parental controls.10
<br /> 7. Support the countywide adoption of "Screen-Free Week" during May 5-11, 2025, as observed by Chapel Hill-
<br /> Carrboro City Schools and encourage parents and children of the county to participate."
<br /> 8. Support statewide legislation, such as Senate Bill 55,that would join NC with other states in requiring school districts
<br /> to have policies around use of cellphones during the day and nationwide legislation that would require social media
<br /> companies to have more effective age/parental consent verification.12,13
<br /> 9. Support educational efforts that inform families, schools, and policymakers about the risks of social media use and
<br /> the importance of digital wellness.
<br /> ou,
<br /> Alison Stuebe, MD, MSc QLYintana Stewart, MPA
<br /> Chair, Orange County Board of Health Orange County Health Director
<br /> 919 245 2405 > 300 West Tryon Street Hillsborough, NC 27278 > orangecountync.gov
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