ACR156 - National Day of Play.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 156 CHAPTER 48 Relative to National Day of Play. [ Filed with Secretary of State April 21, 2026. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST ACR 156, Hoover. National Day of Play. This measure would recognize National Day of Play on March 21, 2026. Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO Bill Text 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 Congress’s 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.