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

Whereas people are spending less time with family and friends and are less involved in their communities;

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 devices;

Whereas studies suggest that 21 percent of adults in the United States feel lonely;

Whereas only about 1 in 3 adults receives the recommended amount of physical activity each week, with less than 5 percent participating in 30 minutes of activity each day;

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;

Whereas social connectedness reflects the continuum of meeting social connection needs;

Whereas social connection can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and serious illness;

Whereas social connection can improve the ability to manage stress, anxiety, and depression;

Whereas social connection encourages healthy eating habits and physical activity;

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

Whereas play can be defined as an activity that is self-chosen, intrinsically motivated, and conducted in an active, but relatively non-stressed, frame of mind;

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;

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;

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

Whereas play reduces obesity and associated diseases;

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

Whereas excessive device use has detrimental physical and mental health impacts;

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

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

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

Whereas a National Day of Play advocates for and celebrates the essential role of play and social connections;

Whereas a National Day of Play encourages individuals to put down their devices and participate in community organized events;

Whereas a National Day of Play strengthens community bonds and encourages a national focus on creating safe and healthy environments for all;

Whereas the Spring Equinox represents the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, signifying rebirth, renewal, and balance;

Whereas the Spring Equinox marks the time when days begin to get longer; and

Whereas March 21, 2026, is the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox: Now, therefore, be it