Expressing support for the recognition of September 2025 as "National Children's Emotional Wellness Month" and for increased public awareness regarding children's emotional health and wellness.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 759
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-25T14:41:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 759) aims to recognize September 2025 as "National Children's Emotional Wellness Month" and promote greater public awareness of children's emotional health and wellness. It highlights the importance of emotional well-being during childhood and adolescence, emphasizing its role in overall development and addressing challenges like mental health disorders, social media effects, and pandemic-related disruptions.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses that outline facts and concerns, followed by four main directives for the House of Representatives:
- Support for recognition: Encourages designating September 2025 as National Children's Emotional Wellness Month to boost public awareness and support for children's emotional health.
- Expression of concern: Notes rising rates of suicide, depression, and anxiety among American children, citing statistics such as increased mental health emergency visits during the COVID-19 pandemic and risks from excessive social media use.
- Acknowledgment of contributors: Thanks pediatricians, therapists, mental health providers, and nonprofit organizations (e.g., the Extraordinary Lives Foundation) for their efforts in supporting children's emotional well-being through services, education, and early intervention.
- Promotion of parental care: Supports mental health care for parents, recognizing its direct impact on children's emotional and mental health, including addressing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create new laws, amend existing statutes, or impose enforceable requirements. It serves as a symbolic statement of support from the House of Representatives without altering legal frameworks.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: May increase public awareness of children's emotional health issues, potentially reducing stigma, encouraging families to seek care, and promoting preventive measures like limiting social media exposure or supporting parental mental health. It could indirectly lead to more community discussions and access to resources, though only about 20% of affected children currently receive specialized care.
- On government agencies: Encourages federal entities like the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to highlight related data and programs, but imposes no new obligations or funding.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. child health awareness.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Children and youth: Primary beneficiaries, especially those aged 3–17 facing emotional, mental, or behavioral disorders (affecting 1 in 5), suicide risks, or pandemic-related trauma.
- Parents and families: Impacted through emphasis on parental mental health and reducing barriers like stigma or limited providers.
- Healthcare providers: Pediatricians, therapists, and mental health professionals recognized for their role in treatment and early intervention.
- Nonprofit organizations: Groups like the Extraordinary Lives Foundation, which provide toolkits, resources, and education, gain visibility for their work.
- Educators and communities: Schools and local organizations involved in fostering emotional wellness in homes, classrooms, and society.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature, limiting it to an expression of House intent.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to recognize awareness months and address public health under its general welfare powers, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by Representatives Kim, Watson Coleman, and Correa) for child mental health, potentially influencing future policy debates or funding for related programs. It underscores post-pandemic priorities without partisan controversy, focusing on awareness rather than mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-09-23: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-23: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the recognition of September 2025 as "National Children’s Emotional Wellness Month" and for increased public awareness regarding children’s emotional health and wellness. — issued 2025-09-23 — PDF (4 pages)