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| The House of Representatives took a step toward addressing the mental health crisis facing Connecticut teens using social media by passing HB 6857 -- a bill that I led before the House chamber and co-sponsored -- with bipartisan support. |
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The statistics are stark, frightening and sobering. According to the American Psychological Association, U.S. teens, on average, spend 5 hours a day on the seven most popular social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok. While that's alarming enough, a majority (60%) of teenage high-frequency social media users who had low parental oversight reported they had poor or very poor mental health.
Social media companies have algorithms designed to keep their youngest users' eyes glued to their screens, so much so that teens often exhibit addict-like behavior in continuing to use the apps.
To address the issue, HB 6857 requires, among other things, age verification methods for minors and limits on the times when social media platforms can send minors notifications.
Connecticut took a major step forward as a national leader with this new effort to reign in big tech’s predatory practices that are reinforcing addictive and harmful choices in minors. |
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Many people have frustrating stories of hidden and/or exorbitant fees on the secondary ticket market. A bill that I led before the House chamber on Wednesday (HB 7182) protects consumers by, among other things, prohibiting entertainment venues from entering into exclusivity agreements with ticket resellers, requiring upfront disclosures on the actual price of a ticket, and requiring ticket resellers to provide refunds for cancelled live entertainment events.
The bill had overwhelming bipartisan support, with no dissenting votes. |
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| Other Legislation that Passed |
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On Tuesday, House Democrats voted to improve interagency communication and collaboration on homeless services by establishing an interagency council on homelessness.
This council will bring together representatives from state agencies, nonprofits, public housing authorities, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness to ensure that our state agencies are coordinating and developing long-term solutions.
We are always looking at ways to improve government efficiency and address homelessness head-on. |
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Also on Tuesday, Connecticut joined more than 50 countries worldwide in banning shark finning — an inhumane practice that threatens marine ecosystems and pushes many shark species toward extinction. We are proud to be part of a growing international movement for ocean conservation.
This legislation:
- Protects ocean biodiversity
- Promotes sustainable marine practices
- Stands against cruelty in our global waters
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| House Democrats took action on Tuesday to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by guarding the physical addresses of shelters and group homes from public access and public discussion during agency meetings. Safeguarding these locations is a testament to our unwavering support for survivors. |
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| Newington Library 5K Challenge |
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Register today for the 28th annual Newington Library 5K Challenge Road Race that will be held on Sunday, May 18, at 9 a.m. at Mill Pond Park.
The first 200 registrants will receive a race performance T-shirt. In addition, the race will have a special guest participating, four-time Boston Marathon Champion, U.S. Olympian and former Newington resident Bill Rodgers.
To register, visit the library’s webpage here.
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| Social Media Trend Causing Fires |
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Speaking of adolescents and social media, public safety officials across the state are issuing warnings about the dangerous trend in which students are encouraged to short-circuit their personal or school-issued electronic devices by inserting pencil lead or other conductive objects into the USB or other charge ports.
The short circuit often results in sparks and can ignite a fire, which could easily spread. It can also lead the internal battery to experience thermal runaway and ignition.
There have been at least six incidents in schools statewide, including one in Newington, during which a Chromebook or other device either ignited or sparked.
“It is vitally important that youth and adults take fire risks seriously and recognize the danger inherent to these types of social media ‘challenges’,” State Fire Marshal Lauri Volkert said. “Fire can become uncontrolled and turn deadly in just a few seconds.”
For more information, visit here. |
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| Walk this May Walking Competition |
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Visit https://www.ccthd.org/walking-competition or call 860-785-8380 ext. 216 for details on registration, tracking steps, or receiving a pedometer (while supplies last).
During May, log steps or activities into the walker tracker program or have activities automatically linked to your fitness device.
Every activity logged during May supports your well-being and helps the town!
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| Please see the flyer below on the food drive to support the Got Lunch Program in Newington. |
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| NHS Boys Volleyball Car Wash |
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| The Newington High School boys volleyball team is hosting a car wash on Saturday, May 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fire Headquarters & Company No. 1, 1485 Main St. |
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Sincerely,
State Representative Gary Turco |
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