Senators Markey, Blunt, and Sasse Urge Committee to Advance Bill to Support Research on the Effect of Technology on Children

As children's average daily screentime skyrockets, Senators urge swift passage of the Children and Media Research Advancement (CAMRA) Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support

Washington (July 15, 2022) - Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), co-leads of the CAMRA Act,today sent a letter to Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the Chair of the Committee on Health, Education, and Labor and Pensions (HELP), and Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.), the Ranking Member of the Committee, urging them to advance the CAMRA Actthrough the HELP Committee and to the Senate floor. The CAMRA Actdirects the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop a comprehensive research program that explores how technology and media use affects children's development, health and wellness.

"Initial research into kids and teens' increasing engagement with technology and digital media sources points to concerning findings," wrote the lawmakers. "In an increasingly digital world, experts agree that nuanced, research-driven approaches are necessary. TheCAMRA Actwill catalyze empirical investigation to examine these problems, lay the groundwork for solutions, and enable parents, pediatricians, and educators to make informed decisions that promote kids' and teens' wellbeing."

Screen time among children and teens increased dramatically during the pandemic. Among children ages 10 to 14, average daily screen time increased from 3.8 to 7.7 hours per day. Experts warn that children's media viewing is associated with sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety. The CAMRA Actwould build on these findings and authorize the NIH to lead a research program on the effect of technology and media on the cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional development of infants, children, and adolescents.

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