Virginia Parents Protect their Children from Addictive Social Media

Reclaiming Childhood Task Force created to address the youth mental health crisis

RICHMOND –Governor Glenn Youngkin issued today Executive order 43 and Empowering Parents to Protect their Children from Addictive Social Media & Establishment Reclaiming Childhood Task Force to address a critical issue of Virginia’s Youth Mental Health Crisis, the unrestricted usage of cell phones and addictive platforms on social media.

The Governor will discuss EO43 later today at the Virginia’s Reclaiming Childhood Youth Mental Health Summit, which brings together experts and stakeholders across the Commonwealth in Richmond to address the alarming increase in mental health issues among children and teenagers.

The effects of cell phone addiction and unrestricted use are driving the youth mental health crisis in Virginia and across the country. “The scope of this problem is going to be a challenge that will require us all, the private sector, non profit organizations, and government to support parents in their efforts to improve the mental health of their children,” stated Governor Glenn Youngkin.

The Executive Order mobilizes agencies of the state to provide resources to parents, educators and healthcare providers in order to combat the negative impacts of excessive social media usage. The Executive Order includes a “Social Media and Mental Health Toolkit,” as well as a partnership between health providers and behavioral health professionals to focus on prevention strategies and a regional training program for behavioral health professionals.

The Commonwealth’s mothers and fathers have told us that they want information and guidance to help them make the right choices for their children. The Reclaiming Childhood Task Force is a group of families, experts and communities that will work together to build a better future for Virginia’s kids,” stated First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin.

It will provide recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly, building on efforts from a href=”https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2024/july/name-1030522-en.html” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>Executive Order 33/a>, which introduced Cell Phone Free Education in Virginia’s K-12 public schools. The Task Force will make recommendations to Governors and the General Assembly, and build on the Executive order 33 that introduced Cell Phone Free Education in Virginia K-12 Public Schools.

The Reclaiming Childhood Task Force is designed to drive collaboration and innovation in order to tackle this mental health epidemic and to ensure that our children are equipped with the tools necessary to thrive.

Aimee Guidera, Secretary of Education, said that “Executive order 43” directs state agencies to provide resources, research and tools to help educators and parents create a healthy and nurturing environment where students can learn and grow.

The summit today will focus on the rising youth mental health crisis. Experts will present their views about the role that social media plays in the rise of depression, anxiety and self-harm.

Executive Order 43 highlights Virginia’s commitment in protecting children and empowering their parents, as it addresses the urgent challenges that the digital age presents.

Click here to read more about Executive Order 43, the Reclaiming Childhood Task Force and other related information.

Read More: https://governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2024/november/name-1036768-en.html