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Codey & Lagana Want A Study of Effects of Smart Phones and Social Media on Adolescents

TRENTON – Senator Richard Codey and Senator Joseph Lagana have introduced legislation that would establish the “Commission on the Effects of Smart Phone and Social Media Usage on Adolescents.”

The commission would study the extent of smart phone and social media usage by students in public schools each day and determine the effects it has on a student’s emotional and physical health as well as academic performance.

“Over the past 10 years, smart phones and social media have become a major component in the social lives of adolescents,” said Senator Codey (D-Essex/Morris).  “Students are now connected twenty-four hours a day; linked by various social media platforms.  This commission will provide valuable information to determine the effects this usage has on the lives of students.”“Smart phones and social media are no longer accessories, but necessities in the lives of adolescents,” said Senator Lagana (D-Bergen/Passaic).  “They have become a powerful tool to stay connected socially throughout the day.  We have a responsibility to learn the effect these devices and platforms have and this commission will address these concerns.”

The bill, S-2999, will establish a fifteen-member commission that will issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature within a year of its first meeting.  The commission will expire thirty-days after the submission of the final report.