Virginia Declares April 13-19 Screen-Free Week for Families

RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Glenn Youngkin has officially declared April 13-19, 2025, as Virginia Screen-Free Week, a statewide initiative encouraging residents to take breaks from screens and reconnect with family and community.

“Protecting Virginia’s children and strengthening families is at the heart of everything we do,” Governor Youngkin said. “Virginia Screen-Free Week is a call to action — to hit pause on the noise of digital distractions and say ‘yes’ to a deeper connection, stronger mental health, and a brighter future for our youth.”

This initiative is part of the Reclaiming Childhood Task Force, aimed at addressing concerns about the effects of excessive screen time on the mental and physical health of youth in Virginia. The First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin, emphasized the importance of family presence during this week, stating, “Virginia Screen-Free Week is a gentle reminder—and a bold invitation—to step away from the noise and into the moments that matter most.”

The newly codified regulations promote a cell phone-free educational environment across 107 school divisions, supporting the effort to minimize distractions during school hours. “Virginia Screen-Free Week empowers students and families to reclaim their time, focus, and well-being,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera.

During Virginia Screen-Free Week, schools, libraries, and families are encouraged to engage in screen-free activities such as having dinner without devices or planning outdoor play days. “As stewards of building a healthy foundation for future generations, adults have the primary role of creating positive childhood experiences for the kids in their lives,” added Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly.

Research indicates that excessive screen time is linked to various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption. Current data suggests that teens in the U.S. spend nearly five hours a day on social media, contributing to deteriorating mental health outcomes. Notably, suicide remains the second leading cause of death among young individuals ages 10 to 34.

To bolster participation, the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources and Education will collaborate with local health departments and school divisions to provide tools and resources supporting the initiative. Inspired by the International Play Association’s Global Play Day, which encourages communities to observe screen-free initiatives when convenient, Screen-Free Week emphasizes the importance of personalizing the experience.

“Whatever you do, make it work for you,” said Screen-Free Week Coordinator Deb Lawrence. “Virginia Screen-Free Week is about what happens when you take small or large steps to reconnect without screens—the possibilities are open to your imagination.”