In the near future, I will be re-introducing legislation to create an Eating Disorders Taskforce within the PA Department of Education. It will also require schools to provide parent educational information regarding eating disorders to parents/guardians of students in grades 6-12 through email, mail, or posting on their school district website. This will include a list of warning signs, risk factors, resources, and other information about eating disorders.  
 
The rise of social media usage can have many different effects on body image and the later development of eating disorders in many individuals. Research clearly shows that social media exposure contributes to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.  
 
Here are some facts on eating disorders in the Commonwealth from a Harvard and Deloitte report: 

• 1,127,383 people in PA (9% of the PA population) will have an Eating Disorder in their lifetime 
• $2.5 billion is the yearly economic cost of Eating Disorders in PA and $12.8 billion is the additional loss of well-being per year 
• Loss per group 
  • $919.9 million - individuals and families 
  • $692.9 million - government 
  • $638.1 million - employers 
  • 277.9 million – society 
• Costs to Hospital System 
  • 2110 ER visits costing $1.1 million 
  • 922 inpatient hospitalizations costing $8.2 million 

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0137: P.L.30, No.14
Printer's No. 0318: P.L.30, No.14