SACRAMENTO — Assemblyman Josh Hoover announced that his package of bills aimed at promoting student mental health awareness is advancing with strong bipartisan support, according to his office.
The legislation is designed to give schools the option to implement a range of mental wellness practices intended to support student academic success, safety and overall well-being.
“In today’s digital landscape, data overwhelmingly shows that screen time has a direct impact on our kids’ mental health. Smartphones and social media use have been shown to create distractions, contribute to depression and anxiety, increase cyberbullying, and lead to lower academic outcomes,” Hoover said. “It’s become clear that we need to provide students with distraction free learning environments and create more outdoor learning opportunities to support their mental health and help them improve social connection with their peers.”
The Youth Mental Wellness Bill Package includes several measures. Assembly Bill 2071 would require middle and high schools in California to incorporate the topic of digital wellness into existing health instruction, encouraging students to use technology in ways that support physical health, mental health, social connections and overall quality of life.
Assembly Bill 1644 would implement a full bell-to-bell limit on smartphones during the school day for K-8 students and encourages school districts to consider similar policies at the high school level.
Assembly Bill 1709 would establish a minimum age of 16 to create or maintain an account on certain social media platforms considered addictive.
Assembly Bill 2158, known as the Outdoor Learning Act, would encourage school districts to integrate more outdoor learning opportunities and field trips into daily instruction.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 156 would designate March 21, 2026, as the National Day of Play, encouraging people of all ages to engage in community-focused activities that promote social connection.
According to the release, nearly 94 percent of California children experience mental health challenges, and the proposed legislation is intended to address issues tied to digital technology while promoting outdoor engagement and peer interaction.
Hoover represents California’s 7th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom and Rancho Cordova, as well as the unincorporated communities of Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, Gold River, Mather, McClellan Park, North Highlands, Orangevale and Rosemont.
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