00:00Thank you.
00:08As a former chemistry teacher, I understand how challenging fostering a positive learning
00:12environment can be, and while technology can be a resource, it can also cause irreparable
00:17harm if not used properly.
00:19Our community in Malvern, Pennsylvania, experienced a gross abuse of technology when teachers
00:24at the Great Valley Middle School were targeted by eighth grade students who set up fake TikTok
00:28accounts impersonating them and posting offensive and very hurtful content.
00:34This wasn't a prank.
00:35It was a blatant misuse of social media, violating basic rules of human decency, and it's inappropriate
00:41regardless of a child's age or whether the school is public, charter, or private.
00:46These teachers are questioning why they continue a profession where they can be so casually
00:51targeted, and I don't blame them.
00:53This incident highlights the misuse of technology and how it disturbs the classroom and stunts
00:58the growth of empathy, and we must confront this crisis in schools and our homes as well,
01:03because each of us has a responsibility to foster civility and decency.
01:07Our teachers deserve and expect our support, and anything less is unacceptable.
01:11Thank you, and I yield back.
