General (4)
Public Comment
From:Craig A Durfey <cadurfey@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Fwd: MCRT supports youth and families of youth under the age of 18
with risk social media screen time E-Sports on school campus a mark five register as a
sport causing mental illness disorder s/Surgeon General report risk social media
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Council District 5 <District5@longbeach.gov>
Date: Tue, Oct 18, 2022 at 2:13 PM
Subject: RE: MCRT supports youth and families of youth under the age of 18 with risk social media screen time E-Sports
on school campus a mark five register as a sport causing mental illness disorder s/Surgeon General report risk social
media
To: cadurfey@gmail.
Good afternoon Craig,
Thank you for reaching out to our office with your concerns for E-sports on school campuses. We have provided your
thoughts to the Councilwoman for her consideration.
Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to be of assistance. We can be reached at
district5@longbeach.gov or 562-570-5555.
Sincerely,
Your District 5 Team
Office of Councilwoman Stacy Mungo Flanigan
th
411 W Ocean Blvd, 11 Fl. | Long Beach, CA 90802
562-570-5555 | district5@longbeach.gov
1
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From: cadurfey@gmail.
Sent: Friday, October 7, 2022 11:59 AM
To: Council District 1 <District1@longbeach.gov>; Council District 2 <District2@longbeach.gov>; Council District 3
<District3@longbeach.gov>; Council District 4 <District4@longbeach.gov>; Council District 5 <District5@longbeach.gov>
Cc: Council District 6 <District6@longbeach.gov>; Council District 7 <District7@longbeach.gov>; Council District 8
<District8@longbeach.gov>; Council District 9 <District9@longbeach.gov>; CityClerk <CityClerk@longbeach.gov>;
cadurfey@gmail. 'Congressman Alan Lowenthal' <CA47ALima@mail.house.gov>; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov
Subject: FW: MCRT supports youth and families of youth under the age of 18 with risk social media screen time E-Sports
on school campus a mark five register as a sport causing mental illness disorder s/Surgeon General report risk social
media
-EXTERNAL-
From: cadurfey@gmail.
Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2022 11:25 AM
To: cortese@senate.ca.gov; cadurfey@gmail.
Subject: FW: MCRT supports youth and families of youth under the age of 18 with risk social media screen time E-Sports
on school campus a mark five register as a sport causing mental illness disorder s/Surgeon General report risk social
media
2
From: cadurfey@gmail.
To: cadurfey@gmail. MHSOAC@mhsoac.ca.gov; DIANA.LARA@sen.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov;
SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; 'cc:' <recreation@ci.garden-grove.ca.us>; Anna.Naify@mhsoac.ca.gov; > <Public
Records Request <cityclerk@ggcity.org>; teresap@ggcity.org; 'Pam Haddad' <pamha@ci.garden-grove.ca.us>; 'Maria
Stipe' <marias@ci.garden-grove.ca.us>; colin.grinnell@sen.ca.gov; Assemblymember.Nguyen@Assembly.ca.gov;
assemblymember.friedman@assembly.ca.gov.; Christopher.Aguilera@asm.ca.gov; Chris.Wangsaporn@ocgov.com;
rosielyn.pulmano@asm.ca.gov; judy.babcock@asm.ca.gov; mhsoac@mhsoac.ca.gov
Cc: scott.bain@asm.ca.gov; lara.flynn@asm.ca.gov; kristene.mapile@asm.ca.gov; patty.rodgers@asm.ca.gov;
alcl.committee@assembly.ca.gov; Norma.Pate@mhsoac.ca.gov; Andrea.Anderson@mhsoac.ca.gov;
Sharmil.Shah@mhsoac.ca.gov
Subject: MCRT supports youth and families of youth under the age of 18 with risk social media screen time E-Sports on
school campus a mark five register as a sport causing mental illness disorder s/Surgeon General report risk social media
OPEN LETTER
AND AS A PUBLIC COMMENT
YOUTH RISK WITH SOCIAL MEDIA, SERIOUSLY FLAWED PROFFSIONAL TRAINING
STANDARDS, WITH NO OVERSIGHT OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS,CHARTER SCHOOLS.
MISSING ACCOUNTABLITY AT THE LOCAL SCHOOLS DISTRICTS WITH AN
EXAMPLE AB 2246 YEAR SIGNED JULY 2016 SECTION 216 SHALL MEET WITH
PARENT FOR PREVENTION SUICIDE NEVER HAPPENED NOR CA State AB 1776
signed in Oct 2019 for grades 1-6.
STANDARD DUTY OF CARE FLAWED ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA SCREEN TIME RISK
BRAIN INJURY ,CA STATE SCR 73 BLUE LIGHT EYE DAMAGE WITH SLEEP
DEPRIVATION,
TO E-SPORTS GAMING LEADING TO MENTAL DISORDING MARK FIVE AND TO
PROMOTE GREEN SPACE ECHO THERAPY,HOPE SQUAD,CA STATE AB 24 2017
3
CIVIC EDUCATION, GARDENING TO IMPROVE DISTANCE FROM SCREEN TIME TO
DEMISH DRUGS.
TO ENACT STATE LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS MY RESEARCH THE LIMITED
ACTION TO SCREENTIME AWAERNESS ECT. TO DEMISH SUICIDES,DRUGS,
PUBLIC RECORD ACT TO BE ENFORCE BY THE STATE AS THE BROWN ACT.
MANY OTHER CHANGES TO ADDRESS WITH LEGLISLATION IS NECCERAY TO
ACHIVE ANY REAL TAGELBLE RESULTS. EARLY INTERVENTION UNDER TWO
YEARS OLD NOT TO HAVE ANY COMPUTER DEVISE BEFORE THEM THAT IT
CAUSES COGNATIVE DELAY WHICH BRAIN MATTER HAS BEEN ALTERED.
10-06-2022
(P.R.D.D.C.)
PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN
CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C.
GARDEN GROVE, CA 92842
CELL
SOCIALEMOTIONALPAWS.COM
FACEBOOK: CRAIG DURFEY
U.S. HOUSE OF CONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIG DURFEY FOR HIS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM
... Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf
new website socialemotionalpaws.org
4
Mayor Steve Jones.
City of Garden Grove
11222 Acacia Pkwy, Garden Grove, CA 92840
City Council
GGPD Chief
Ca State Senator Umberg
1021 O Street, Suite 6730, Sacramento,
CA 95814-4900; (916) 651-4034
Assemblymember Janet Nguyen
District Office
17011 Beach Blvd
Suite 1120
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
714-843-4966
Speaker Anthony Rendon,
State Capitol
Room 219
Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 319-2063
5
Fax: (916) 319-2163
Toni G. Atkins
1021 O Street, Suite 8518, Sacramento,
. CA 95814-4900; (916) 651-4039
Orange County Board Supervisor
400 W Civic Center Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission
1812 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (916) 500-0577
Fax: (916) 623-4687
Email: MHSOAC@mhsoac.ca.gov
Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission
Prevention and Early Intervention Subcommittee
Date October 6, 2022
Time 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location 1812 9th Street, Sacramento, California
Open letter.
6
After many years invested in research with two websites outlines with reports,
news article, books, how screen time is harming children’s mental wellbeing
social media has played out over more than ten years internationally with
prevention, to limit the screen time, CA State SCR 73 blue light harm to meet the
definition federal standards as child abuse. https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-
post-1/f/taiwan-orders-parents-to-limit-childrens-time-with-electronic-ga
tohttps://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/gray-matters-too-much-screen-
time-damages-the-brain-1
Below is a general outline to address some key points with links to supportive a
sample of research that we have not yet brought to the table universal language
as utilize social media effectively with limiting impacting mental wellbeing .
To E-Sports promote in schools that ought to ban by law causing mental harm
with American children have quietly become hooked on video game
supplements
EXCLUSIVE: American children have quietly become hooked
on video game supplements that have DOUBLE the caffeine of
Red Bull and may stunt their growth and warp their brains,
experts warn
Energy drink G FUEL has rocketed to popularity in recent years with sales
doubling from 2019 to 2021
Company has partnered with gaming personalities and brands popular among
the youth to advertise
It also features many candy-like flavors featuring characters like Naruto and
Sonic the Hedgehog
One leading group warns that 50% of US adolescents use energy drinks
despite being recommended not to
EXCLUSIVE: American children have quietly become hooked on
video game supplements that have DOUBLE the caffeine of Red
7
Bull and may stunt their growth and warp their brains, experts
warn
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11263385/How-American-children-
quietly-hooked-dangerous-gaming-stimulants.html?ito=facebook_share_article-
image-share&fbclid=IwAR1kuBNBxLlvz5w1PEkgzeyYK3oDglpczwpFCi-
0zBbcLbznhoRZc-qNs4o#i-dd42f73258c0cb1a
LQ Esports Club 2020 (1146) LQ Esports Club 2020 - YouTube
Watch LQHS Esports teams compete live on twitch this weekend! Or better yet
come out to watch them at the Santa Ana Esports Arena for free!!! Just register
with the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../2018-final-events-orange...
2018 FINAL EVENTS | ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL ESPORTS LEAGUE
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-final-events-orange-county-high-
school-esports-league-tickets-
43211575987?fbclid=IwAR0Y7T07yo9nYYD4KSuuboXwf_gUb4d38ky6gxM9v1
W3AMBTVtDrjKtriLw
U.S. Congress held hearings on this matter of screen time with
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/senate-health-committee-holds-
hearing-on-mental-health-and-substa
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/instagram-may-never-be-safe-for-14-
year-olds-whistleblower-fra
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/%E2%80%98more-bad-headlines-in-
the-coming-days%E2%80%99whistleblower-frances-haug
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/knowingly-allow-its-products-to-
harm-childrena-tobacco-addicti
8
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/live-facebook-whistleblower-
frances-haugen-testifies-to-us-sen
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/senators-accuse-facebook-of-
hiding-internal-data-how-the-platform
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/us-senators-blackburn-r-tennhold-
hearing-with-facebook
World health officials take a hardline on-screen time for kids.
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/world-health-officials-take-a-hard-
line-on-screen-time-for-kids
Study: Limiting screen time to 30 minutes a day can reduce depression
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/study-limiting-screen-time-to-30-
minutes-a-day-can-reduce-depres-1
Too Much Screen Time Can Have Lasting Consequences for Young
Children’s Brains
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/too-much-screen-time-can-have-
lasting-consequences-for-young-chil
Below as with AB 2246-year July 2016 effective 2017-2018 section 215 to meet
with parents for 7-12 grad the CA State audit report state noncompliance as well
CA State AB 1776 signed in Oct 2019 for grades 1-6. From survey in Orange
County a variety alteration of the law with clear violation spirt intent, with the
public record act request violations to avoid transparency. Then one school had
the section 215 from shall to maybe approved by the board.
9
My question is how we can permit these kinds of actions of critical issues as
mental health to prevent suicides to also isolated children in a warm room full of
color to make much worse than having dog therapy to having gardening therapy
etc.. With State investment funding resource to school district ,charter schools
for mental health thus has created assumptions that it will be effective currently
without having not been fully developed to ensure license CA State policy are
tested uniformed by having a system to limited access of time to provide less
addictions. By not having a local oversight each in county will not achieve
change and those they contract out to be require to be certified with social media
addictions at this time no state laws provide any oversight because it will be ok
since its local government.
Yet the training is flawed with lack of duty of care how utilizing with social media
education or E-Sports causes mental illness that the safety has been set aside
this seriously flawed approach won’t insure the best outcome for mental
wellbeing.
Recommend to address in legislation to bring accountability with transparency to
the raise the bar of all who interact with children prevent under two with labeling
toys recommend not before two social media and blue light to minimize screen
addictions and cognitive delay.
SB 224, Portantino. Pupil instruction: mental health education
Approved by Governor October 08, 2021. Filed with Secretary of State October 08,
2021.
SEC. 2. Article 6 (commencing with Section 51925) is added to Chapter 5.5 of Part
28 of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Education Code, to read:
Article 6. Mandatory Mental Health Education
51925. Each school district, county office of education, state special school, and
charter school that offers one or more courses in health education to pupils in
middle school or high school shall include in those courses instruction in mental
10
health that meets the requirements of this article. This section shall not be
construed to limit a school district, county office of education, state special
school, or charter school in offering or requiring instruction in mental health as
specified in this article. This instruction shall include all of the following:
51929. On or before January 1, 2024, the department shall develop a plan to
expand mental health instruction in California public schools.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB22
4
Below AB 2273 that above segments alien with Governor Newsom Signs First-in-
Nation Bill Protecting Children’s Online Data and Privacy
Into law with hearing that laid the framework to develop legislation bring
common sense to those who’s crafts in education in modernizing their profession
to have greater oversight when a complaint or audit is done to maximize the
State resources funding there by having a great opportunity in addressing metal
wellbeing from current practices by having in county an independent over State
division.
Governor Newsom Signs First-in-Nation Bill Protecting Children’s Online Data and
Privacy
Published: Sep 15, 2022
AB 2273 requires online platforms to consider the best interest of child users and
to protect their mental health and wellbeing
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed
bipartisan landmark legislation aimed at protecting the wellbeing, data, and
privacy of children using online platforms. AB 2273 by Assemblymember Buffy
11
Wicks (D-Oakland) and Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo),
establishes the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, which requires
online platforms to consider the best interest of child users and to default to
privacy and safety settings that protect children’s mental and physical health and
wellbeing.
“We’re taking aggressive action in California to protect the health and wellbeing
of our kids,” said Governor Newsom. “As a father of four, I’m familiar with the real
issues our children are experiencing online, and I’m thankful to
Assemblymembers Wicks and Cunningham and the tech industry for pushing
these protections and putting the wellbeing of our kids first.”
AB 2273 prohibits companies that provide online services, products or features
likely to be accessed by children from using a child’s personal information;
collecting, selling, or retaining a child’s geolocation; profiling a child by default;
and leading or encouraging children to provide personal information.
The bill also requires that privacy information, terms of service, policies, and
community standards be easily accessible and upheld – and requires responsive
tools to help children exercise their privacy rights. The bipartisan legislation
strikes a balance that protects kids and ensures that technology companies will
have clear rules of the road that will allow them to continue to innovate.
“As a parent, I am terrified of the effects technology addiction and saturation are
having on our children and their mental health. While social media and the
internet are integral to the way we as a global community connect and
communicate, our children still deserve real safeguards like AB 2273 to protect
their wellbeing as they grow and develop,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel
Newsom. “I am so appreciative of the Governor, Assemblymember Cunningham,
and Assemblymember Wicks’ leadership and partnership to ensure tech
companies are held accountable for the online spaces they design and the way
those spaces affect California’s children.”
12
The Children’s Data Protection Working Group will be established as part of the
California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act to deliver a report to the Legislature,
by January 2024, on the best practices for implementation.
AB 2273 requires businesses with an online presence to complete a Data
Protection Impact Assessment before offering new online services, products, or
features likely to be accessed by children.
“As the mom of two young girls, I am personally motivated to ensure that Silicon
Valley’s most powerful companies redesign their products in children’s best
interest,” said Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland). “Today, California is
leading the way in making the digital world safe for American children, becoming
the first state in the nation to require tech companies to install guardrails on their
apps and websites for users under 18. The Design Code is a game changer, and a
major step forward in creating a global standard for the protection of youth
online.”
“I am very glad for our kids that the Governor signed AB 2273, requiring that
online platforms accessible by children be designed as age appropriate,” said
Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo County). “With this law,
California is leading the nation in creating a new online experience that is safe
for kids. We still have more work to do to address the youth mental health crisis.
In particular, we know that certain Big Tech social media companies design their
products to addict kids, and a significant number of those kids suffer serious
harm as a result… such as depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, eating
disorders. Protecting kids online is not only common sense, it will save lives.”
Provided to the Attorney General, the Data Protection Impact Assessments must
identify the purpose of the online service, product, or feature, how it uses
children’s personal information, and the risks of material detriment to children
that arise from the data management practices.
Governor Newsom Signs First-in-Nation Bill Protecting Children’s Online Data and
Privacy | California Governor
13
SAN DIEGO —
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy’s mission as surgeon general report mental health advisory
PDF segment clearly show the great risk associated with social media screen
time.
E-Sporting gaming competition “For example, some research has linked “passive”
social media use (such as scrolling through posts and auto-play video) to declines
in wellbeing (versus more “active” use such as commenting on posts or recording
videos).”
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy’s mission as surgeon general is to tell the American people
about pressing health issues, but Monday afternoon at a YMCA in the San Diego
neighborhood of Mountain View, he came to listen.
About 25 students from Lincoln High School and Gompers Preparatory Academy
met with Murthy at the Jackie Robinson YMCA, where they shared issues about
their own mental health and told him how their lives had been affected by the
pandemic.
“We’re going to share this feedback with some of the community leaders we’re
going to be meeting with today and tomorrow,” Murthy said. “And the second
thing we’re going to do is share it with our larger department at Health and
Human Services, which oversees healthcare for the whole country.”
In December, Murthy issued the advisory Protecting Youth Mental Health, which
includes data from national surveys that show a growing number of young
Americans are acknowledging serious mental health challenges. Surveys cited in
the advisory found 1 in 3 high school students and half of female students
reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, an overall increase of
40% from 2009.
For example, some research has linked “passive” social media use (such as
scrolling through posts and auto-play video) to declines in wellbeing (versus more
“active” use such as commenting on posts or recording videos).205 There can
14
also be benefits to certain online activities, such as connecting meaningfully with
friends and family, learning a new skill, or accessing health care, and these also
vary from person to person.206 For example, LGBTQ+ young people may be more
vulnerable than other young people to cyberbullying but also more likely to
consider social media important for feeling less alone, expressing themselves,
finding inspiration, and getting support.138, 207
MCRT supports youth and families of youth under
the age of 18
The Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) was created to provide crisis
intervention and support to Nevada families dealing with a behavioral or mental
health crisis. For so long, families have had no choice but to go to the emergency
room due to lack of resources or knowledge of available resources.
MCRT is here to help. We’re mobile so we come to you. We also provide help over
the phone
MCRT supports youth and families of youth under the age of 18 showing signs of
behavioral or mental health issues that pose a threat to the child’s stability within
their home, school or community, including but not limited to:
WHO WE ARE
WHO WE ARE: The Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) was created to provide
crisis intervention and short-term support to Nevada families dealing with a
behavioral or mental health crisis. MCRT diverts roughly 85% of children from
Emergency Room visits during a crisis and provides short-term counseling and
case management until we can connect families with long-term providers and
peer supports. MCRT is here to help. In urban regions, we can see your family in
our office, in your home, by telehealth or in the community. Rural regions operate
entirely by telehealth and by phone.
15
MCRT supports youth and families of youth under the age of 18 showing signs of
behavioral or mental health issues that pose a threat to the child’s stability within
their home, school or community, including but not limited to:
Anger
Self-Injury
School Problems
Suicidal or homicidal thoughts or behavior
Extreme parent/child conflict
Peer conflict such as bullying
Seeing or hearing things
Depression/Anxiety
https://www.knowcrisis.com/
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/mcrt-supports-youth-and-families-
of-youth-under-the-age-of-18-sho
https://mdlogix.com/school-based-mobile-crisis-team-solano-county/
16
CALIFORNIA
Surgeon general warns of emerging youth mental health crisis in rare public advisory
Dec. 7, 2021
Data from the National Center for Health Statistics suggest more than 6,600
people in the 10-24 age group died by suicide in 2020, and suicide rates in that
age range increased by 57% between 2007 and 2018, the advisory reported.
Since the release of the advisory, Murthy has had some discussions with youth in
other cities, which he said will help shape policies going forward.
PAID CONTENT
Yes on 30
17
By Yes on 30
This is a Crisis
On Monday, he led students through a series of exercises that involved asking
them to move to either side of the room in response to certain questions, which
prompted extended discussions and some personal stories.
Almost all students said they believe people have a hard time talking about their
mental health, and all students agreed that mental health should be a top priority.
“I feel mental health affects all parts of health,” one girl said. “For me, I got sad,
and I didn’t eat for four days.”
Asked how their mental health was affected by the pandemic, most agreed it had
been a negative experience.
“It was boring,” one student said. “I couldn’t hang out with my friends.
One boy, however, saw the lockdown as a positive because he had more freedom
at home than he did at school.
18
LIFESTYLE
The pandemic has taken a toll. What can we learn from people with mental health challenges?
Oct. 4, 2021
During an exercise about social media, a male student told
Murthy that he has a particularly hard time quitting video
games, while another exercise prompted a female student to say a friend of
hers had trouble getting adequate mental health care because of its costs.
“She pointed out that she had seen disparities in her own community,” Murthy
said after the event. “A lot of young people have so much experience with this,
because a lot of them and their friends are struggling. They’re starting to see
where the system is broken and where it needs to be fixed.”
19
Murthy said he came away from the meeting encouraged about how much insight
students had about mental health.
“That bodes well for our ability to address this crisis,” he said. “I believe that to
really be successful in addressing youth mental health, we’ve got to get youth
engaged.”
Meeting with reporters before the exercises with students, Murthy said he issued
the advisory as a call to action and to highlight youth mental health.
“We have to do better by our kids, and we’ve got to do that by investing in more
treatment and making that treatment accessible to them,” he said, adding that it
takes an average of 11 years before a child gets evidenced-based treatment after
first experiencing symptoms.
“That’s not acceptable,” he said. “We’ve got to do better in providing treatment,
and we’ve got to do better in terms of investing in prevention.”
20
CALIFORNIA
LA Times Today: Surgeon general warns of emerging youth mental health crisis
Feb. 7, 2022
Murthy’s advisory also called for society to eliminate the stigma associated with
mental health so more people will get help.
“No young person should ever feel that they need to be ashamed of needing help,”
he reiterated Monday. “We should make help available to all those who need it. It
should be affordable. It should be accessible.”
While in San Diego, Murthy also attended a Monday evening “fireside chat” at the
Manchester Grand Hyatt on the effects of loneliness on physical and mental
health.
21
Tuesday morning, he took park in a session with active-duty military families to
discuss their experiences building community while serving during the pandemic.
CALIFORNIAHEALTH & WELLNESSCOVID-19 PANDEMICEDUCATIONMENTAL
HEALTH
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-04-05/surgeon-general-mental-
health-southern-california-students
What Social Media, Video Gaming, and Other Technology Companies Can Do
Page 26
Surgeon General report
Over the past two decades, more and more of our lives have moved onto social
media platforms and other digital public spaces. The COVID-19 pandemic has
rapidly accelerated this trend. During the pandemic, the time teenagers spent in
front of screens for activities not related to school more than doubled, from 3.8 to
7.7 hours per day.183 In 2020, 81% of 14- to 22-year-olds said they used social
media either “daily” or “almost constantly.”138 In these digital public spaces,
which privately owned and tend to be run for profit, there can be tension between
what’s best for the technology company and what’s best for the individual user or
for society.
Business models are often built around maximizing user engagement as opposed
to safeguarding users’ health and ensuring that users engage with one another in
safe and healthy ways.184, 185 This translates to technology companies focusing
on maximizing time spent, not time well spent. In recent years, there has been
growing concern about the impact of digital technologies, particularly social
media, on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.186, 187,
22
188 Part of the challenge with research on this topic is that digital technology
involves a vast range of devices, platforms, products, and activities, so it’s hard
to generalize. Researchers also have limited access to data to inform potential
research.
Many researchers argue that digital technologies can expose children to bullying,
contribute to obesity and eating disorders, trade off with sleep, encourage
children to negatively compare themselves to others, and lead to depression,
anxiety, and self-harm.139, 187, 189, 190, 191, 192 Several studies have linked
time spent on social media to mental health challenges such as anxiety and
depression.26, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197 Meanwhile, others have cast doubt on the
idea that technology or social media use is a major factor in youth wellbeing.198,
199, 200, 201, 202, 203 Importantly, the impact of technology almost certainly
varies from person to person, and it also matters what technology is being used
and how.204 So, even if technology doesn’t harm young people on average,
certain kinds of online activities likely do harm some young people.
For example, some research has linked “passive” social media use (such as
scrolling through posts and auto-play video) to declines in wellbeing (versus more
“active” use such as commenting on posts or recording videos).205 There can
also be benefits to certain online activities, such as connecting meaningfully with
friends and family, learning a new skill, or accessing health care, and these also
vary from person to person.206 For example, LGBTQ+ young people may be more
vulnerable than other young people to cyberbullying but also more likely to
consider social media important for feeling less alone, expressing themselves,
finding inspiration, and getting support.138, 207
Page 26 Surgeon General report
There is a clear need to better understand the impact of technologies such as
social media on different kinds of users, and to address the harms to users most
at risk. We need more research using strong data and research methods, such as
longitudinal and experimental designs, behavioral (as opposed to self-reported)
measures of time spent online and types of content engaged with, as well as data
on subgroups of users (e.g., boys vs. girls).208, 209 Most importantly, technology
23
companies must step up and take responsibility for creating a safe digital
environment for children and youth.
. Today, most companies are not transparent about the impact of their products,
which prevents parents and young people from making informed decisions and
researchers from identifying problems and solutions. At a minimum, the public
and researchers deserve much more transparency. More broadly, below are
specific recommendations for how these companies can prioritize the wellbeing
of users above monetizing those users for profit: Prioritize user health and
wellbeing at all stages of product development.210 Elevate user safety, health,
and wellbeing in the culture and leadership of technology companies.
Senior technology executives should acknowledge that their products can harm
some young people and take material and measurable steps to prevent and
mitigate these harms, even at the expense of engagement, scale, and profit.
Leaders should be accountable for creating a safe, accessible, and inclusive
digital environment for their users and designing safe products. Assess and
address risks to users at the front end of product development. Build products
and services using a precautionary approach that focuses on making them safe
for youth before they are deployed.
Company employees at all levels, especially those involved in product
development, should be expected to prioritize user health and wellbeing in their
day-to-day work. For example, consider how to align performance incentives for
product developers to measures of user wellbeing. Develop consistent
procedures for receiving input on proposed products from youth, parents, health
and youth development professionals, and civil society, for example through
advisory groups. Create ways for employees to voice concerns about products
without fear of retaliation. Continually measure the impact of products on user
health and wellbeing and share data with the public.
Supplement traditional product success metrics, such as monthly active users,
with dedicated metrics for user health and wellbeing. In addition to relying on
user-reported data (e.g., surveys), consider using behavioral data (e.g., analysis of
user inputs such as typed keywords). Make results publicly available. Take
24
corrective action to address harms. Recognize that the impact of platforms and
products can vary from user to user, and proactively ensure that products
designed for adults are also safe for children and adolescents. Consider many
kinds of users, including users of different ages and developmental stages, when
developing new products and features. Talk to those users and collect data to
identify subgroups who may be harmed by certain products or ways of engaging.
Use this data to inform product design and research. Protecting Youth Mental
Health: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory 27 Be transparent and allow for
independent researchers and the public to study the imp
Mobile Crisis Services
Mobile crisis services are a community-based intervention designed to provide
de-escalation and relief to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis
wherever they are, including at home, work, school, or in the community. Mobile
crisis services are provided by a multidisciplinary team of trained behavioral
health professionals in the least restrictive setting. Mobile crisis services include
screening, assessment, stabilization, de-escalation, follow-up, and coordination
with healthcare services and other supports. Mobile crisis services are intended
to provide community-based crisis resolution and reduce unnecessary law
enforcement involvement and emergency department utilization. The mobile
crisis services benefit will ensure that Medi-Cal beneficiaries have access to
coordinated crisis care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.
DHCS intends to submit a State Plan Amendment to add qualifying community-
based mobile crisis intervention services ("mobile crisis services") as a new
Medi-Cal benefit, effective as soon as January 2023. Implementing mobile crisis
services is an integral part of California's broader efforts to strengthen the
continuum of community-based care for Medi-Cal beneficiaries who are
experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis.
Please note, the mobile crisis services benefit is distinct from the Crisis Care
Mobile Units (CCMU) funding opportunity. More information about the CCMU
program is available on the DHCS website.
Important Updates
DHCS will be sharing information on the mobile crisis benefit at upcoming
stakeholder meetings including the CalAIM Behavioral Workgroup and the Tribal
25
and Indian Health Program Representatives meeting. Please see below to
register for these events."
Informational Webinars
September 12, 2022 - CalAIM Behavioral Health Workgroup. Registration is
required.
August 31, 2022 - Tribal and Indian Health Program Representatives
Meeting. Registration is required.
July 21, 2022 – Stakeholder Advisory Committee and Behavioral Health
Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting
May 23, 2022 – Tribal and Indian Health Program Representatives Meeting
May 12, 2022 – Stakeholder Advisory Committee and Behavioral Health
Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting
May 4, 2022 – CalAIM Behavioral Health Workgroup
Additional Resources
Welfare and Institutions Code Section 14132.57
CMS State Health Official Letter
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319)
Mobile Crisis Services RFI Page
CalAIM Behavioral Health Page
CalAIM Mobile Crisis Services Initiative
Behavioral Health Federal Grants Update
On September 27, 2021, DHCS re-released the Crisis Care Mobile Units (CCMU)
funding opportunity, which will be available through November 29, 2021. The
original $205 million funding opportunity was released from July 23, 2021,
through August 23, 2021, to California counties, city behavioral health agencies,
joint groups of counties and/or city behavioral health agencies, and tribal entities.
DHCS is currently reviewing applications from the initial funding round seeking
$159 million. Eligibility requirements remain the same, and while previous
applicants may apply for additional funding, DHCS will prioritize new applicants.
A minimum of $46 million will be available across two tracks: 1) planning grants
up to $200,000 to assess the needs of mobile crisis and non-crisis programs and
to develop an action plan to address the need; and 2) implementation grants up to
$1 million per CCMU team to implement a new, or expand an existing, CCMU
program. All CCMU grantees are required to prioritize mobile behavioral health
crisis services for individuals age 25 and younger, while also serving the broader
26
population, and will be encouraged to support justice intervention services.
Funding for this round of grantees is available from January 3, 2022, through June
30, 2025.
Both CCMU funding rounds are supported by: $55 million through the Substance
Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant and the Community Mental Health
Services Block Grant awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration through funds appropriated from the Coronavirus
Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act; and $150 million included
in state fiscal year 2021-22 General Funds through the Behavioral Health
Continuum Infrastructure Program. For more information about the CCMU funding
opportunity, please email BHRRP@dhcs.ca.gov.
Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Update
On October 1, DHCS hosted a BHCIP listening session for county, Tribal, non-
profit, and for-profit organizations. The listening session discussed BHCIP funding
opportunities, program timelines, and available technical assistance, and
provided an opportunity for eligible applicants to provide insights, including
written and verbal feedback, directly to DHCS on proposed BHCIP activities.
BHCIP provides DHCS with funding to award competitive grants to qualified
entities to construct, acquire, and rehabilitate real estate assets, or to invest in
mobile crisis infrastructure to expand the community continuum of behavioral
health treatment resources. A portion of the funding is available for increased
infrastructure targeted to children and youth age 25 and younger. For more
information, please email BHCIP@dhcs.ca.gov or visit the DHCS website.
Program Updates (ca.gov)
LQ Esports Club 2020 (1146) LQ Esports Club 2020 - YouTube
Watch LQHS Esports teams compete live on twitch this weekend! Or better yet
come out to watch them at the Santa Ana Esports Arena for free!!! Just register
with the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../2018-final-events-orange...
27
2018 FINAL EVENTS | ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL ESPORTS LEAGUE
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-final-events-orange-county-high-
school-esports-league-tickets-
43211575987?fbclid=IwAR0Y7T07yo9nYYD4KSuuboXwf_gUb4d38ky6gxM9v1
W3AMBTVtDrjKtriLw
American children have quietly become hooked on video
game supplements
EXCLUSIVE: American children have quietly become hooked
on video game supplements that have DOUBLE the caffeine of
Red Bull and may stunt their growth and warp their brains,
experts warn
Energy drink G FUEL has rocketed to popularity in recent years with sales
doubling from 2019 to 2021
Company has partnered with gaming personalities and brands popular among
the youth to advertise
It also features many candy-like flavors featuring characters like Naruto and
Sonic the Hedgehog
One leading group warns that 50% of US adolescents use energy drinks
despite being recommended not to
EXCLUSIVE: American children have quietly become hooked on
video game supplements that have DOUBLE the caffeine of Red
Bull and may stunt their growth and warp their brains, experts
warn
Energy drink G FUEL has rocketed to popularity in recent years
with sales doubling from 2019 to 2021
Company has partnered with gaming personalities and brands
popular among the youth to advertise
It also features many candy-like flavors featuring characters like
Naruto and Sonic the Hedgehog
28
One leading group warns that 50% of US adolescents use energy
drinks despite being recommended not to
EXCLUSIVE: American children have quietly become hooked on
video game supplements that have DOUBLE the caffeine of Red
Bull and may stunt their growth and warp their brains, experts
warn
Energy drink G FUEL has rocketed to popularity in recent years
with sales doubling from 2019 to 2021
Company has partnered with gaming personalities and brands
popular among the youth to advertise
It also features many candy-like flavors featuring characters like
Naruto and Sonic the Hedgehog
One leading group warns that 50% of US adolescents use energy
drinks despite being recommended not to
EXCLUSIVE: American children have quietly become hooked on
video game supplements that have DOUBLE the caffeine of Red
Bull and may stunt their growth and warp their brains, experts
warn
Energy drink G FUEL has rocketed to popularity in recent years
with sales doubling from 2019 to 2021
Company has partnered with gaming personalities and brands
popular among the youth to advertise
It also features many candy-like flavors featuring characters like
Naruto and Sonic the Hedgehog
One leading group warns that 50% of US adolescents use energy
drinks despite being recommended not to
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/american-
children-have-quietly-become-hooked-on-video-game-supple
29
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11263385/How-American-children-
quietly-hooked-dangerous-gaming-stimulants.html?ito=facebook_share_article-
image-share&fbclid=IwAR1kuBNBxLlvz5w1PEkgzeyYK3oDglpczwpFCi-
0zBbcLbznhoRZc-qNs4o#i-dd42f73258c0cb1a
Request to time by phone to address these concerns at all levels of government
that supporting the change legislation will provide greater opportunities to
advance greater awareness thus it will become common senses, thus greater
mental wellbeing,
Thank You
Craig A Durfey
30