Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, who represents Walnut Creek and surrounding communities in Congress, will host a free Zoom town hall Thursday, Oct. 29, on social media’s impact on children’s mental health.
The event runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Pacific time and is open to the public, according to his office’s announcement. Two researchers will join DeSaulnier on the panel: Brian Keum, an associate professor at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, and Supreet Mann, director of research at Common Sense Media.
The discussion will focus on recent research and potential policy solutions aimed at protecting children and families, according to the announcement. The town hall follows a 2023 public health advisory from then-U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, which raised concerns about social media’s potential effects on young people’s mental health.
DeSaulnier has pushed legislation on the issue. In September, he and Rep. Jimmy Patronis of Florida introduced the Sunset Section 230 Act, according to the official bill text. The bill would repeal Section 230 two years after enactment. That law currently shields tech companies from certain lawsuits. The bill’s sponsors say repeal would make it easier to pursue legal action against companies over online harm.
Walnut Creek parents and families can register at DeSaulnier’s town hall RSVP page or call his local office at 925-933-2660 for more information or to request special accommodations.
