Dangers of TikTok
What to know: Even as new research shows that 70% of American teenagers use the social media app TikTok, new information about the Chinese app’s dangers emerges.
The TPPF take: Lawmakers must do more to protect children online.
“Academic research and nearly daily tragic stories continue to demonstrate that the harms of social media on children can no longer be ignored by policymakers. Thankfully, Texas lawmakers are responding and elevating this issue as a priority this session,” said TPPF’s Zach Whiting. “TPPF fully supports legislative efforts to better protect children online, including prohibiting social media companies from peddling their addictive products to kids.”
For more on social media, click here.
Doom! We Mean It This Time!
What to know: The U.N. has issued another breathless warning to mankind about impending doom. “Humanity is on thin ice,” it says.
The TPPF take: This kind of alarmism has created a new malady: eco-anxiety.
“Instead of using fear over the most extreme weather scenarios, our media, leaders, parents, and teachers should communicate to our young people the complete story of fossil fuels and the benefits of affordable and reliable energy,” says TPPF’s Syd Lucas. “Energy is the key to human flourishing.”
For more on eco-anxiety, click here.
Human Trafficking
What to know: Texas now offers license plates that will raise awareness about human trafficking.
The TPPF take: Austin City Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly hopes to make her city a place where those being trafficked can find help. She says she learned the extent of human trafficking when she went to a homeless encampment as part of a ride-along with the Austin police.
“I met a woman who was in distress. I spoke with the sergeant about her situation, and he let me know that she was being sex trafficked in the camp,” Kelly explains. “At that point, it broke my heart because it occurred to me that she couldn’t be the only person experiencing homelessness in this type of situation. Our city needs to do more to help these people get lifted out of their situation.”
For more on human trafficking, click here.