Sally Kerans for State Representative

Grateful to Essex National Heritage Area for inviting me to today's meeting at historic Topsfield Town Hall to mark 25 years of Trails and Sails & hear David Read describe progress on the (amazing!)about the Border to Boston Trail (I was delighted to see Ingrid Barry recognized for her instrumental role in creating the Danvers Rail Trail!) and a round of grants to North Shore gems you might not know about (check essexheritage.org site!). Topsfield Town Administrator Kevin Haretunian announced that a copy of the Declaration hand copied from an original in 1776 into the the Topsfield Town Clerk's book will be on view at Strawberry Festival. Thank you, Annie, Cheri, Charles and the entire Essex National Heritage Area team!

I voted enthusiastically for AN ACT TO PROTECT STUDENT LEARNING AND MENTAL HEALTH, which we passed in the House last Wednesday.
We know that big data platforms target teens with addictive algorithms that keep kids scrolling, leading to shortened attention spans, anxiety and depression, body image issues, and increased isolation, robbing kids of their full participation in life at a critical time in their development.
The legislation we passed protects kids by requiring social media companies to implement age verification systems to prohibit users under the age of 14, and requires parental consent from prospective social media users aged 14 and 15. Additionally, the bill will protect students from distracting technology during the school day by prohibiting the use of cell phones from school arrival through dismissal (“bell to bell”).
A former school principal, now the representative from Needham, Josh Tarskey, described the change in the tone of the school he led as principal when they banned devices during the school day. “Kids talked to each other at lunch again,” he said.
The House and Senate versions will now be reconciled, and with the governor’s anticipated support, Massachusetts will become the 19th state to take action.

Great job, 13th Essex District Reps. Addison (Essex Tech), Riley (Danvers High), and Kaelyn (Peabody VMHS). Stay involved!