As a mother of four and a grandmother of three, I have seen firsthand the importance of education for our children's future. However, I am increasingly concerned about the distraction that social media poses during school hours. Our children should be learning about science, math, literature, social studies and history - not constantly checking their phones for updates, likes, and followers.

On October 18th 2023, Senators Cruz, Budd and Moore Capito submitted a bill to the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee proposing to limit access to social media on school property in all federally funded schools. This is an important step towards helping students refocus on their education. Support S-3074 The Eyes on the Board Act 2023.

The impact of excessive screen time is well-documented. According to a study by Common Sense Media (2019), teens spend an average of seven hours per day on screens for entertainment alone – this does not include time spent on homework or studying (Rideout & Robb). This excessive use can lead to negative health effects such as sleep deprivation and increased risk for depression and anxiety (Twenge et al., 2018).

Furthermore, unrestricted access to social media exposes our children to potential threats such as cyberbullying or online predators. A report from Pew Research Center found that nearly six-in-ten teens (59%) have experienced some form of cyberbullying (Anderson).

We need your support in urging the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee to pass this bill into law. Let's prioritize our children's education over distractions like social media during school hours. Please sign this petition today!