Governor issues order empowering parents to protect kids from social media

RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ/Governor’s Office Release) – Gov. Glenn Youngkin 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”. Empowering and supporting parents to protect their children from addictive social media and establishing the Childhood Recovery Task Force is the central point of Executive Order 43.

“Virginia and the nation’s children are facing a youth mental health crisis driven by the effects of unrestricted cell phone use and addictive social media platforms. Meeting this challenge will require all of us, the private sector, non-profits and government, to be able 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 lay the foundation for a statewide response to reclaim childhood and ensure the next generation can thrive.”

The executive order mobilizes state agencies to provide resources to parents, educators and health care providers to combat “the negative effects of excessive social media use, according to the Governor’s Office. It includes the development of a “Social Media and Mental Health Toolkit,” a partnership with health care providers to outline 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 unite 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 actionable solutions to improve youth mental health outcomes . It will provide recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly and will build on efforts from Executive Order 33which introduced cell phone-free education to K-12 public schools in Virginia.

“The widespread use of social media, cell phones, and the addictive algorithms that fuel them prevent children from living their true purpose and potential,” said Health and Human Resources Secretary Janet V. Kelly. “The Reclaiming Childhood Task Force will foster 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 in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of students.” said Education Secretary Aimee Guidera. “Executive Order 43 directs our state agencies to provide research, tools, and resources that can support educators and parents as they create healthy, nurturing environments where students can focus on learning and growing.”