Public Hearing Looks to Protect Youth from Social Media Harm

POTTSTOWN - At the request of Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), the Senate Majority Policy Committee will spotlight the growing concerns surrounding youth over-exposure to social media and the potential harms associated with excessive online engagement.

"As chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, I am increasingly concerned about the potential dangers social media and inappropriate internet content pose to our youth, as well as the amount of time they spend online," said Pennycuick. "Understanding what constitutes an appropriate amount of social media use is an important conversation."

This hearing will feature students, parents, local government officials, law enforcement and advocacy organizations. Testifiers will discuss how social media contributes to teen depression and anxiety, cyberbullying trends, addictive platform design, data privacy risks for minors and the challenges parents and educators face in navigating a digital world.

"Sen. Pennycuick has consistently championed youth safety online," said Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), who chairs the policy committee. "She has assembled a team of specialists to help us ensure young people grow up safe, supported and shielded from online dangers."

The public is invited to attend this hearing, which will take place Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m., at Pottsgrove Middle School, 1351 N. Hanover St., Pottstown. For those unable to attend in-person, the full event will be livestreamed on the Senate Majority Policy Committee website.

CONTACT: Joshua J. Paul