[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 114 (Wednesday, July 10, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H4578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               FOSTERING A POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

  (Ms. HOULAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. HOULAHAN. Mr. Speaker, as a former chemistry teacher, I 
understand how challenging fostering a positive learning environment 
can be. While technology can be a resource, it can also cause 
irreparable harm if not used properly.
  Our community in Malvern, Pennsylvania, experienced a gross abuse of 
technology when teachers at the Great Valley Middle School were 
targeted by eighth grade students who set up fake TikTok accounts 
impersonating them and posting offensive and very hurtful content.
  This wasn't a prank. It was a blatant misuse of social media, 
violating basic rules of human decency. It is inappropriate, regardless 
of a child's age, or whether the school is public, charter, or private.
  These teachers are questioning why they continue in a profession 
where they can be so casually targeted, and I don't blame them. This 
incident highlights the misuse of technology and how it disturbs the 
classroom and stunts the growth of empathy.
  We must confront this crisis in schools and our homes as well. Each 
of us has a responsibility to foster civility and decency. Our teachers 
deserve and expect our support. Anything less is unacceptable.

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