WHEREAS, The Surgeon General of the United States has formally declared an epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, highlighting its health impacts, such as higher risk for anxiety, depression, heart disease, and dementia, and a shorter life span; and

WHEREAS, People are spending less time with family and friends and are less involved in their communities; and

WHEREAS, A 2022 study found that families spend a significant portion of shared physical spaces in alone-together time, meaning individuals are present, but engaged in their own activities, such as using electronic devices; and

WHEREAS, Studies suggest that 21 percent of adults in the United States feel lonely; and

WHEREAS, Only about one in three adults receives the recommended amount of physical activity each week, with less than 5 percent participating in 30 minutes of activity each day; and

WHEREAS, Community-focused events, shared activities that require collaboration, and acts of service for the common good can bring a community together and promote social connection; and

WHEREAS, Social connectedness reflects the continuum of meeting social connection needs; and

WHEREAS, Social connection can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and serious illness; and

WHEREAS, Social connection can improve our ability to manage stress, anxiety, and depression; and

WHEREAS, Social connection encourages healthy eating habits and physical activity; and

WHEREAS, Important communities, such as neighborhoods, schools, places of worship, workplaces, and parks and recreation centers, offer social connections; and

WHEREAS, Play can be defined as an activity that is self-chosen, intrinsically motivated, and conducted in an active, but relatively stress-free, frame of mind; and

WHEREAS, Play is fundamentally connected to social connection, as it provides space to develop and practice essential social skills, such as communication, cooperation, empathy, and negotiation; and

WHEREAS, Play promotes brain development, executive function skills, stress reduction, creativity, and problem-solving skills, while also strengthening relationships and fostering healthy social-emotional growth; and

WHEREAS, Play is a proven stress reliever for both children and adults, promoting overall well-being; and

WHEREAS, Play reduces obesity and associated diseases; and

WHEREAS, Children today spend up to 35 percent less time playing freely outdoors due to a combination of factors, including increased screen time; and

WHEREAS, Excessive device use has detrimental physical and mental health impacts; and

WHEREAS, Long-term consequences of excessive device use include impaired social development and cognitive function, particularly in children; and

WHEREAS, Excessive device use can foster an absent presence, in which individuals are physically together, but mentally disengaged, leading to reduced quality in face-to-face interactions and increased feelings of social isolation; and

WHEREAS, Taking a break from electronics and screen time can provide significant physical, mental, and social benefits; and

WHEREAS, A National Day of Play advocates for and celebrates the essential role of play and social connections; and

WHEREAS, A National Day of Play encourages individuals to put down their devices and participate in community-organized events; and

WHEREAS, A National Day of Play strengthens community bonds and encourages a focus on creating safe and healthy environments for all; and

WHEREAS, The spring equinox represents the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, signifying rebirth, renewal, and balance; and

WHEREAS, The spring equinox marks when days begin to get longer; and

WHEREAS, March 21, 2026, is the first Saturday after the spring equinox; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes National Day of Play on March 21st, 2026; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature expresses support for Congresss annual designation of the first Saturday after the spring equinox as National Day of Play; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes the importance of social connection for mental, physical, and social development, and encourages people to put their electronics down and play; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

ACR 156: National Day of Play.

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