MOUNT VERNON — State Senator Terri Bryant is partnering with Illinois Senate Minority Deputy Leader Sue Rezin (rez-in) to host an upcoming roundtable from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Mt. Vernon Township High School Thursday.

This “Safe Screens, Healthy Minds” roundtable is designed to gather input from parents, educators, and mental health professionals regarding the potential negative effects social media platforms have on our state’s children and how we as legislators can help address those concerns.

As you may already know, studies have revealed the deliberate design of social media platforms encourages harmful behaviors, intensifies issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and feelings of inadequacy, and provides a venue for unwanted sexual advances on minors.

These research findings align with disclosures from multiple whistleblowers who testified before the U.S. Congress, providing further support for the independent research results.

While these platforms offer immense opportunities for communication and learning, they also present significant risks, especially when it comes to the deceptive practices employed by social media platforms to target young users through algorithms and data harvesting.

The ultimate goal of the Safe Screens, Healthy Minds initiative is to directly address those concerns through the introduction and passage of legislation.

The ultimate goal of the Safe Screens, Healthy Minds initiative is to directly address those concerns through the introduction and passage of legislation. Additionally, for those who are unable to attend, you can fill out an online survey.