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Jul 31

Protecting Kids from Social Media and Devices, VP Picks on Ed, CT Women Rally for Kamala, and DFER CT Weighs In

Protecting Kids from Social Media and Devices

Yesterday afternoon, the US Senate passed bipartisan legislation to enhance online safety and privacy for children and teens. As The New York Times (NYT) explains, the bill—co-sponsored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut—introduces a "duty of care" for social networking platforms, requiring them to filter harmful content for young users.


The NYT highlighted the crucial advocacy role played by parents who have lost children to social media-related issues. In June, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for warning labels on social media platforms, due to their damaging impact on the mental health of adolescents. Coverage from CT Insider specifically noted concerns over cyberbullying, illegal drug access, gambling, pornography, and content promoting eating disorders and suicidal ideation.


Despite its Senate victory, the federal bill now faces significant challenges in the House of Representatives, largely due to lobbying by tech companies and free speech advocates.


In Connecticut, this federal development coincides with a week of headlines concerning device usage in local school districts. The Connecticut Post, for example, covered disciplinary protocols being developed in Stamford for students who refuse to comply with bans on cells in classrooms. The Greenwich Time covers a petition being circulated by parents who want their schools to be phone-free all day. Proponents argue that beyond the dangers of social media, cell phones hinder children’s real-world exploration and developmentally appropriate in-person interactions.


From the Campaign Trail: VP Picks on Ed, CT Women Rally for Kamala, and DFER CT Weighs In

On Monday, Education Week covered the K-12 policy records of Kamala Harris’ top contenders for VP. The article includes: 

  • Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear: Fiercely anti-charter. Supports increased funding for K-12 schools and teacher pay, as well as universal pre-K.

  • Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg: Supports increasing public school funding and teacher pay, creating teacher diversity requirements, and expanding oversight over charter schools.

  • Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona: Slim background on K-12. As the husband of US Rep. Gabby Giffords, has a strong personal stake in gun control measures.

  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker: Supports increased funding for K-12 schools and teacher pay. Resistant to GOP rhetoric around Black history, civil rights, and book bans. 

  • Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro: Supports private school vouchers (an unusual position for a Democrat), as well as increased funding for K-12 and universal free breakfasts. 

  • Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz: Former teacher, strongly affiliated with teacher unions. Supports increased funding for public schools and free school meals. Opposes private school choice.


On Thursday, Harris appeared as a keynote speaker at the American Federation of Teachers' national convention in Houston. “We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books,” CBS News quotes Harris as saying. “Can you imagine?” She also criticized Project 2025 and the Republican plan to end the Department of Education. (Further details on Trump’s vision for education here.) 


Tonight, the Connecticut Dems will host a Zoom event featuring prominent women leaders who support Harris. The lineup includes Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Rep. Jahana Hayes, and Sec. of the State Stephanie Thomas. Register for the 7pm event here.


In a recent interview with Public News Service, DFER CT Executive Director Amy Dowell listed the top education priorities that we hope to see on the Harris ticket, including: pushing back on Project 2025 and the privatization of public education, protecting students' civil rights, combating chronic absenteeism, sustaining Title I investments, canceling student loan debt, and ending legacy preference in college admissions. Read the interview here.


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