RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ/Governor’s Office Release) – Gov. Glenn Youngkin has issued an executive order to address what he says is “a critical aspect of Virginia’s youth mental health crisis, the unrestricted use of cell phones and addictive social media platforms.” Empowering and supporting parents to protect their children from addictive social media and establishing the Reclaiming Childhood Task Force is the focus of Regulation 43.

“Virginia and the nation’s children are facing a youth mental health crisis fueled by the effects of unrestricted cell phone use and addictive social media platforms. The scale of this challenge will require all of us, the private sector, nonprofits, and government agencies to support parents as they work to improve their children’s mental health,” said Governor Youngkin. “Executive Order 43 will give parents the tools they need to protect their children and sets the stage for a state response to reclaim childhood and ensure that the next generation can thrive.”

The executive order mobilizes state agencies to provide resources for parents, teachers and health care providers to combat the “negative effects of excessive social media use, according to the governor’s office. It includes developing a “Social Media and Mental Health Toolkit,” a partnership with health care providers to emphasize prevention strategies and regional training for behavioral health professionals.

“One thing we’ve heard from mums and dads across the Commonwealth is that they’re looking for information and guidance on how to make the best choices for their children. The Reclaiming Childhood Task Force will bring together families, experts and communities to create a healthier future for Virginia’s children,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin.

Youngkin says the Reclaiming Childhood Task Force will bring together parents, educators, mental health experts, faith leaders, public safety officials, private sector technology experts and community leaders to identify practical solutions to improve youth mental health. It will make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly and build on the efforts of the Regulation 33which introduced cell phone-free education in Virginia’s K-12 public schools.

“The pervasive use of social media, cell phones, and the addictive algorithms that drive them prevent children from living out their true purpose and potential,” said Health Secretary Janet V. Kelly. “The Reclaiming Childhood Task Force will drive collaboration and innovation to address this mental health crisis and ensure our children grow up with the tools they need to thrive.”

“Government cannot be the only solution to this social media crisis, but our schools are on the front line to support pupils’ mental health and wellbeing,” said Education Minister Aimee Guidera. “Executive Order 43 directs our state agencies to provide research, tools, and resources that can support educators and parents in creating healthy, nurturing environments where students can focus on learning and growth.”

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