A resolution expressing support for the annual designation of the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as "National Day of Play".

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 655 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 655

  Expressing support for the annual designation of the first Saturday 
         after the Spring Equinox as ``National Day of Play''.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 22, 2026

 Mr. Ricketts (for himself, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Cramer, Mr. 
 Cornyn, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Daines, Mr. Risch, and Mrs. Britt) submitted 
      the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  Expressing support for the annual designation of the first Saturday 
         after the Spring Equinox as ``National Day of Play''.

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
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates March 21, 2026, as ``National Day of Play'';
            (2) expresses support for the annual designation of the 
        first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as ``National Day of 
        Play'';
            (3) recognizes the importance of social connection for 
        mental, physical, and social development; and
            (4) encourages people to put their electronics down and 
        play.
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