HJR 6

01-05 13:16  H.J.R. 6
1Joint Resolution Regarding School Activities and Practices
  2026 GENERAL SESSION
  STATE OF UTAH
  Chief Sponsor: Doug Welton
  Senate Sponsor:
2
3   LONG TITLE
4   General Description:
5This resolution encourages Utah public schools to support student well-being through
6   increased physical activity and balanced use of technology.
7   Highlighted Provisions:
8This resolution:
9▸ encourages more time for physical activity and play;
10▸ recommends thoughtful limits on screen use in schools; and
11▸ supports efforts to improve student mental health.
12   Money Appropriated in this Bill:
13None
14   Other Special Clauses:
15None
16
17   Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
18WHEREAS, over the past decade, rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm among
19   children and adolescents have risen sharply;
20WHEREAS, research links the deterioration in mental health among youth to the decline of
21   free play, face-to-face interaction, and outdoor activity;
22WHEREAS, children today spend significantly more time using screens, including both
23   personal and school issued devices, than any previous generation;
  H.J.R. 6
24WHEREAS, physical activity, unstructured outdoor play, and real-world social interaction
25   build resilience, confidence, and mental health in children;
26WHEREAS, the expansion of digital learning tools has produced both benefits and
27   unintended harms, including distraction, overreliance on virtual instruction, and decreased
28   engagement;
29WHEREAS, constant screen exposure in school settings can displace essential childhood
30   experiences such as tactile learning, group collaboration, and time spent in nature; and
 H.J.R. 6  01-05 13:16
31      WHEREAS, schools serve a vital role in shaping childhood culture and development:
32      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
33  encourages public schools to increase the amount of time dedicated to physical education,
34  outdoor recess, and unstructured free play, recognizing their essential role in healthy childhood
35  development.
36      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature recommends schools reduce excessive
37  reliance on screens and digital platforms during the school day, particularly for younger
38  students, and restore balanced use of textbooks, printed materials, and hands-on learning.
39      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges school leaders, parents, and
40  policymakers to work together to promote environments rooted in movement and real-world
41  connection and monitor the impact of school practices on student mental health.
42      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be prepared and submitted to
43  the State Board of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Utah Parent
44  Teacher Association, and each local education agency in the state.
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