IV 
119TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. RES. 1036 
Expressing support for the annual designation of the first Saturday after 
the Spring Equinox as ‘‘National Day of Play’’. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEBRUARY 4, 2026 
Mr. BERA (for himself and Mr. FLOOD) submitted the following resolution; 
which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing support for the annual designation of the first 
Saturday after the Spring Equinox as ‘‘National Day 
of Play’’. 
Whereas the U.S. Surgeon General has formally declared an 
epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, highlighting its 
health impacts such as higher risk for anxiety, depres- 
sion, 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; 
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Whereas studies suggest that 21 percent of adults in the U.S. 
feel lonely; 
Whereas only about one in three adults receives the rec-
ommended 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 re- 
quire 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 meet- 
ing social connection needs; 
Whereas social connection can help reduce the risk of chronic 
disease and serious illness; 
Whereas social connection can improve our 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 so- 
cial skills such as communication, cooperation, empathy, 
and negotiation; 
Whereas play promotes brain development, executive function 
skills, stress reduction, creativity, and problem-solving 
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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 in- 
clude 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 or- 
ganized 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; 
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Whereas the Spring Equinox marks when days begin to get 
longer; and 
Whereas March 21st, 2026, is the first Saturday after the 
Spring Equinox: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) designates a ‘‘National Day of Play’’; 
(2) expresses support for the annual designa-
tion of a ‘‘National Day of Play’’; 
(3) recognizes the importance of social connec-
tion for mental, physical, and social development; 
and 
(4) encourages people to put their electronics 
down and play. 
Æ 
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