The Joint Committee to Study the Effects of Media on Minors convened on January 7, 2025, to address the growing concerns surrounding the impact of technology and social media on children in Texas. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, including parents, educators, and policy advocates, who emphasized the urgent need for legislative action to protect minors from harmful online content and the implications of technology in educational settings.

The session began with a Texas mother, who identified herself as a representative of the organization Women on the Wall, urging the committee to scrutinize the role of technology in classrooms. She highlighted the risks associated with social media and the use of one-to-one devices in education, arguing that these issues should take precedence over discussions about government-regulated school choice. She expressed concern over the algorithms used in educational software, which she claimed expose children to inappropriate content and shift educational focus away from academics to social-emotional learning. The mother called for accountability from the Texas Education Agency regarding the implementation of experimental software programs in schools.

Following her testimony, Tammy Brown Rodriguez, the policy director for Yahoo Bullions Ministries, shared her personal experience as a family member of a trafficking survivor. She stressed the need for public policy to adapt to the realities of the digital age, citing research that links exposure to explicit online content with harmful effects on children's developing brains. Rodriguez advocated for stronger measures to protect children from online exploitation and emphasized the importance of accountability in the digital realm.

Brian Mattis, representing the National Association of Social Workers Texas, discussed the mental health challenges faced by youth due to excessive screen time and social media use. He highlighted the importance of balancing technology with real-world experiences to foster essential life skills in children. Mattis noted that youth engaged in in-person activities without screens tend to report better mental health outcomes, contrasting this with the loneliness and isolation often experienced by teens who rely heavily on online connections.

The testimonies collectively underscored a pressing need for legislative action to address the challenges posed by digital media and technology in the lives of minors. The committee members expressed their commitment to evaluating current policies and exploring potential solutions to ensure a safer and more supportive environment for Texas children. The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions and follow-up actions to address the concerns raised by the witnesses.