RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia's "Screen-Free Week" started on Monday, with state leadership encouraging residents to unplug this week. Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has declared that, from Monday, April 13, to Friday, April 19, the Commonwealth will observe "Virginia Screen-Free Week." "This statewid e initiative encourages Virginians of all ages to take intentional breaks from phones, tablets and social media — and reconnect with family, community and the world beyond the screen," the governor's office said in a press release. Youngkin, during his time as governor, has taken other steps to limit the screen time of Virginia's children. This includes establishing "bell-to-bell" phone-free education in schools. His office also highlighted the "Reclaiming Childhood Task Force," which it said was created "in response to growing concerns about screen time and social media use among Virginia’s youth and the impact on their mental and physical health." “As a mother and as an advocate for the well-being of our children, I believe in the power of presence,” said first lady Suzanne Youngkin in the release. “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.” A Gallup poll published in 2023 found that teenagers who spend more time online experience worse mental health, including higher rates of sadness and anger. ...read more read less