General (05)
Susana Barrios
From:durfeycraig778@gmail.com
Sent:Saturday, June 13, 2026 4:10 PM
To:'Craig A Durfey'; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; ADAM.BOMAN@asm.ca.gov;
assemblymember.ta@assembly.ca.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; 'PIO
Department'; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov;
Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov;
senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; 'Bob Harden';
'Liz Vasquez'; 'Public Records Request'; City.Council@surfcity-hb.org;
irvinecitycouncil@cityofirvine.org; '"CM@cityofirvine.org"'; Public Comment;
rosie.rosales@sausd.us; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; ocbe@ocde.us;
REPLOUCORREA@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV; response@ocgov.com
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education
"Screentime in Schools"
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06-13-2026
(P.R.D.D.C.)
PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN
CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C.
P.O.BOX 2001 GARDEN GROVE, CA 92842
CELL 714-321-8238
CADURFEY@GMAIL.COM
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
To whom it may concern.
"SCREENTIME IN SCHOOLS"
OPENING STATEMENT OF REP. KEVIN KILEY (R-CA), CHAIRMAN EARLY
CHILDHOOD, ELEMENTARY, AND SECONDARY EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE
“DEFENDING FAITH AND FAMILIES AGAINST GOVERNMENT OVERREACH:
MAHMOUD V. TAYLOR” FEBRUARY 10, 2026 (AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY)
PARENTAL RIGHTS ARE FUNDAMENTAL. THAT MEANS PARENTS HAVE A RIGHT TO
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DIRECT THEIR CHILD’S EDUCATION, AND A RIGHT TO THE INFORMATION
NECESSARY TO DO SO. YET ACROSS THE COUNTRY, A NUMBER OF SCHOOL
DISTRICTS ARE INTRODUCING CONTROVERSIAL MATERIALS INTO THE
CLASSROOMS WHILE KEEPING PARENTS IN THE DARK.
ONE OF THE WORST EXAMPLES IS MARYLAND’S MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC
SCHOOLS (MCPS), WHICH INTRODUCED CURRICULUM PROMOTING GENDER
IDEOLOGY FOR CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS KINDERGARTEN DURING THE 2022-2023
SCHOOL YEAR. IF A STUDENT DARED TO EVEN QUESTION THE CONTENT OF THESE
LESSONS, THE DISTRICT COACHED TEACHERS TO CHASTISE STUDENTS AND
REPEAT THE SAME LINE: “THAT COMMENT IS HURTFUL.” THESE TEACHINGS
CONFLICT WITH THE SINCERELY HELD BELIEFS OF MANY PARENTS WHO ARE
CONCERNED ABOUT THE RISE OF CLASSROOM CONTENT THAT IS NOT
AGEAPPROPRIATE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.
A GROUP OF PARENTS FROM MANY FAITHS – INCLUDING MUSLIM, CATHOLIC,
AND UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX FAMILIES – ASKED THE MONTGOMERY DISTRICT
FOR ADVANCED NOTICE OF DAYS ON WHICH THESE CONCEPTS WOULD BE
TAUGHT SO THEY COULD OPT THEIR STUDENTS OUT. THE PARENTS DID NOT ASK
TO DICTATE CURRICULUM NOR FORBID OTHER FAMILIES FROM PARTICIPATING
IN THESE LESSONS – THEY MERELY WANTED THE OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP THEIR
KIDS HOME FOR A DAY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR BELIEFS.
THE DISTRICT SAID NO. THE CASE WENT TO THE SUPREME COURT. IN MAHMOUD
V. TAYLOR, THE COURT GRANTED A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION ON THE
GROUNDS THAT THE PARENTS’ RIGHT TO OPT OUT OF MCPS GENDER AND
SEXUALITY TEACHINGS WAS PROTECTED UNDER THE FREE EXERCISE CLAUSE. THE
COURT HELD THAT “A GOVERNMENT BURDENS THE RELIGIOUS EXERCISE OF
PARENTS WHEN IT REQUIRES THEM TO SUBMIT THEIR CHILDREN TO
INSTRUCTION THAT POSES ‘A VERY REAL THREAT OF UNDERMINING’ THE
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND PRACTICES THAT THE PARENTS WISH TO INSTILL.”
THE COURT CONCLUDED THAT, “FOR MANY PEOPLE OF FAITH, THERE ARE FEW
RELIGIOUS ACTS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OF THEIR
CHILDREN,” THEREBY RECEIVING, “A GENEROUS MEASURE OF CONSTITUTIONAL
PROTECTION.” THESE ARE COMMON-SENSE PRINCIPLES. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IS
A CORNERSTONE OF AMERICAN LIFE, AND PARENTS DO NOT SURRENDER IT FOR
THEIR CHILDREN WHEN THEY ENROLL IN PUBLIC SCHOOL. UNFORTUNATELY,
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WE’LL HEAR TESTIMONY TODAY THAT SOME DISTRICTS ARE TRYING TO
CIRCUMVENT – OR EVEN DEFY – THE COURT’S HOLDING IN MAHMOUD.
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA IS ATTEMPTING TO MINIMIZE THE SCOPE OF
MAHMOUD BY GIVING LOCAL DISTRICTS VAST DISCRETION OVER HOW AND
WHEN OPT-OUTS ARE ALLOWED. SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAS GONE EVEN
FURTHER BY BANNING PARENTAL OPT-OUTS FROM CERTAIN CLASSES. THESE
REPORTS ARE GRAVELY CONCERNING TO THE COMMITTEE. FOR THE PAST
CENTURY, THE SUPREME COURT HAS REPEATEDLY HELD THAT PARENTS HAVE A
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO DIRECT THE UPBRINGING, HEALTH, AND EDUCATION
OF THEIR CHILDREN – INCLUDING FAITH.
AS RECENTLY AS 2000, THE COURT CALLED IT “PERHAPS THE OLDEST OF THE
FUNDAMENTAL LIBERTY INTERESTS RECOGNIZED.” TODAY’S HEARING WILL
EXAMINE THE MAHMOUD CASE, THE STATE OF PARENTAL RIGHTS IN AMERICA,
AND WHETHER DISTRICTS ARE COMPLYING WITH THE LAW. IN A WORLD WHERE
NEW AND CONTROVERSIAL TYPES OF CONTENT ARE FINDING THEIR WAY INTO
CLASSROOMS, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT PARENTS MAINTAIN CONTROL OVER THEIR
CHILD’S EDUCATION. THE COMMITTEE STANDS ON THE SIDE OF PARENTS,
STUDENTS, AND THE CONSTITUTION.
HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=ANNSB6IYBLM
https://socialemotionalpaws.com/blog-post-1/f/us-congress-education-hearing-on-
%E2%80%9Cscreentime-in-schools%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-ju
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Susana Barrios
From:CRAIG DURFEY <durfeycraig778@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 13, 2026 10:40 PM
To:Craig A Durfey; Liz Vasquez; <Public Records Request >; Lisa Kim;
communityrelations; Jennifer.Carey@sen.ca.gov;
assemblymember.ta@assembly.ca.gov; Public Comment;
irvinecitycouncil@cityofirvine.org; "CM@cityofirvine.org"; "Whill@Cityofirvine.org"
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Fwd: There is no current federal law in the U.S. Congress that specifically
addresses e-sports addiction in schools
Attachments:DIGITAL MADNESS P.28-P.29 8-18-24Image_20240818_0005.jpg; DIGITAL MADNESS
P.28-P.29 8-18-24Image_20240818_0004.jpg; DIGITAL MADNESS P.28-P.29
8-18-24Image_20240818_0003.jpg; DIGITAL MADNESS P.28-P.29 8-18-24Image_
20240818_0001.jpg
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <(unknown sender)>
Date: Sat, Jun 13, 2026 at 8:20 PM
Subject: There is no current federal law in the U.S. Congress that specifically addresses e-sports
addiction in schools
To:
(P.R.D.D.C.)
PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN
CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C.
P.O.BOX 2001 GARDEN GROVE, CA 92842
CELL 714-321-8238
CADURFEY@GMAIL.COM
SOCIALEMOTIONALPAWS.COM
1
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
U.S. Congressional Legislation on E-Sports and Gambling Addictions in Schools
There is no current federal law in the U.S. Congress that specifically addresses
e-sports addiction in schools. The legislative focus in recent years has been on
problem gambling, especially in the context of legalized sports betting, rather
than on e-sports or gaming addiction in educational settings.
Related Federal Gambling Addiction Bills
Several bills introduced in Congress aim to address the broader public health
crisis of gambling addiction, which could indirectly affect youth exposed to
gambling through e-sports or other platforms:
SAFE Bet Act (H.R. 9590) – Introduced in September 2024, this is the first
comprehensive federal bill to set “minimum federal standards” for states offering
sports betting. It would require states to meet federal standards on advertising,
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affordability, and AI use, and could apply to online betting platforms that might be
linked to e-sports betting gamblingharm.org.
GRIT Act (S. 3579 / H.R. 6982) – Introduced by Sen. Blumenthal and Rep. Salinas,
this bill would dedicate 50% of the federal sports excise tax to gambling
addiction treatment and research, with 75% going to states and 25% to the
National Institute on Drug Abuse. It does not raise taxes but would fund
prevention, treatment, and research for problem gambling National Council on
Problem Gambling+1.
POINTS Act (H.R. 1000) – Introduced in March 2026, this bipartisan bill would
redirect a share of existing sports wagering tax revenue toward prevention,
screening, intervention, and treatment programs for gambling addiction, without
creating new taxes ReadWrite.
Why E-Sports Addictions Are Not a Current Legislative Priority
While e-sports and gaming are growing, U.S. federal policy has not yet targeted
“gaming addiction” in schools. The focus has been on problem gambling because:
Legalized sports betting is widespread (30+ states allow online betting)
gamblingharm.org.
Gambling addiction rates are high among bettors, with 40–50% experiencing
problems gamblingharm.org.
Federal excise tax revenue from sports wagering is substantial, creating a
funding stream for treatment National Council on Problem Gambling.
Possible Legislative Pathways
3
If e-sports addiction in schools becomes a more pressing public health concern,
lawmakers could:
Adapt existing gambling addiction frameworks to include video game and
e-sports use.
Introduce school-specific provisions in education or public health bills.
Partner with state and local governments to address youth gaming habits.
In summary: As of now, U.S. Congress has no law on e-sports addiction in
schools, but related gambling addiction bills like the SAFE Bet Act, GRIT Act, and
POINTS Act could be adapted to address broader gaming and e-sports risks if
public health concerns grow gamblingharm.org+3.
Why E-Sports Are Not Regulated as Gambling
E-sports are generally considered competitive video gaming rather than gambling,
so they fall outside the scope of existing problem gambling laws. However, if
e-sports were to be commercialized (e.g., betting on matches), states with
responsible gaming frameworks could apply similar safeguards.
Possible Legislative Directions
While no state has yet addressed e-sports addictions in schools, lawmakers could
draw from:
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Problem gambling prevention statutes (e.g., Massachusetts, New Jersey, New
York) that require operators to provide self-exclusion options and educational
materials.
School-based mental health and technology use policies that address screen
time, online behavior, and addiction risks.
Federal guidance from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA) on digital addiction prevention.
Bottom Line
As of now, no U.S. state has passed legislation specifically targeting e-sports
addictions in schools. Current laws focus on gambling and problem-gambling
prevention, not e-sports. Any future regulation would likely emerge from broader
mental health, technology use, or gambling prevention frameworks, rather than a
dedicated e-sports addiction law.
The American Psychiatric Association classifies compulsive gaming under
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the DSM-5, categorizing it as a "condition for
further study" rather than a standalone official diagnosis. The Los Angeles Times
has covered this topic multiple times, discussing both the psychiatric debate and
the gaming industry's pushback. \[1, 2\]
Notable Los Angeles Times coverage includes:
The Clinical Debate: When the World Health Organization (WHO) officially
recognized "gaming disorder" as a mental health condition, the LA Times
Compulsive video-game playing could be mental health... detailed the
international milestone and the implications for behavioral health. \[1, 2, 3, 4,
5\]
Academic Pushback: The LA Times reported on backlash from local
researchers, including scholars at UC Irvine, who objected to categorizing
gaming as an illness, arguing it could unfairly pathologize normal hobbyist
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behavior UC Irvine objects to WHO’s plan to classify ‘gaming disorder’ as
a.... \[1, 2\]
Industry Stance: Early LA Times reporting on the APA's initial inclusion of
the condition highlighted how trade groups and the video game industry
Gaming junkies get no diagnosis - Los Angeles Times warned against
prematurely labeling gaming habits as an addiction. \[1\]
For further guidance, could you tell me what specific aspect of the DSM-5 criteria
or esports culture interests you (e.g., diagnosis symptoms, competitive stress vs.
addiction)? I can help find more focused information for you.
8 sites
(Internet) Gaming Disorder in DSM-5 and ICD-11: A Case of ... - PMC - NIH
In 2013, Internet gaming disorder (IGD) was included in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a con...
National Institutes of Health (.gov)
Internet Gaming - American Psychiatric Association
Addiction to gaming is described in the American Psychiatric Association's
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (
Psychiatry.org
UC Irvine academics come to the defense of players after ...
Feb 8, 2018 — Is excess gaming a mental disorder? UCI fights back, saying
it's unfair to gaming world.
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Los Angeles Times
Show all
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a
professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
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sports+dms+5+disorder&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKAB
MgkIAhAhGAoYoAEyBwgDECEYjwLSAQgyMzIwajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chro
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South Korea’s Struggle to “Unplug” — Energy, Politics, and Social
Isolation
South Korea is grappling with multiple “inability to unplug” challenges — from
being tethered to fossil fuels in its energy system to political gridlock and a surge
in socially withdrawn youth.
Energy dependency and the “power trilemma”
The country’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels — 58.5% of its power mix in 2023,
with 26.8% from LNG — has left it vulnerable to global price shocks. The Russia–
Ukraine war in 2022 spiked LNG costs, pushing up wholesale electricity prices
and forcing state-run utility KEPCO to sell at regulated rates that didn’t cover fuel
costs. This created a “vicious cycle” of debt, bond issuance, and political
pressure to keep tariffs low, while slow renewable adoption missed opportunities
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to cut prices and reduce environmental costs ieefa.org. The result is a power
tariff trilemma: balancing energy security, competitiveness, and sustainability.
Political polarization and governance paralysis
In late 2024, President Yoon Suk-yeol’s attempted martial law and subsequent
impeachment exposed deep societal divisions. The crisis revealed a political
system where centralization of power and factionalism persist, even as civil
society mobilizes. This instability has delayed policy reforms, including those
needed to diversify energy sources and address social issues East Asia Forum+1.
Social isolation among youth
Parallel to political and energy struggles, South Korea is facing a “silent crisis” of
extreme social withdrawal. Around 540,000 young people aged 19–34 are socially
and economically inactive, often confined to their homes for years. Causes are
varied — from childhood trauma and depression to unemployment and “just taking
a break” — with 45.6% citing “other” reasons The Korea Times. This
phenomenon, akin to Japan’s hikikomori, reflects a broader societal inability to
“unplug” from isolation, mirroring the energy sector’s inability to disconnect from
fossil fuel dependence.
Interconnected challenges
These issues are linked: economic stress from high energy costs and political
instability can exacerbate youth unemployment and mental health struggles,
while social withdrawal may further erode civic engagement and political
participation. Addressing them requires coordinated action — diversifying energy
sources, reforming regulated markets, and expanding support for reintegration
programs — to help South Korea “unplug” from its current constraints and build a
more resilient, inclusive society. South Korea wrestles with inability to unplug -
Search
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Susana Barrios
From:Craig A Durfey <cadurfey@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2026 8:18 PM
To:Craig A Durfey; Assemblymember.Muratsuchi@assembly.ca.gov;
sschaben@theseegmillerlawfirm.com; shea.committee@senate.ca.gov;
Jennifer.Carey@sen.ca.gov; JONATHAN@GGPD.ORG; Jeffrey Layland; Pak, Joe; Jim
Tortolano; Whill@Cityofirvine.org; Public Records Request; Public Comment;
irvinecitycouncil@ci.irvine.ca.us; CM@cityofirvine.org
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Fwd: Apps dangers protect children
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Craig Durfey <craigdurfey@icloud.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 16, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Subject: Apps dangers protect children
To: Craig Durfey <cadurfey@gmail.com>, Nick Dibs <nickdibs1@gmail.com>, Sam Waldoch
<sam.waldoch@asm.ca.gov>, PIO Department <pio_department@ggusd.us>, Gabriela Mafi
<gmafi@ggusd.us>, Walter Muneton <walter.muneton@ggusd.us>, Bob Harden
<bob.harden@ggusd.us>, Lan Nguyen <lan.nguyen@ggusd.us>, Teri Rocco <teri.rocco@ggusd.us>,
Assemblymember Davies <Assemblymember.Davies@assembly.ca.gov>, Christopher Aguilera
<Christopher.Aguilera@asm.ca.gov>, Devon Atkinson <datkinson@ocde.us>, COB_Response
<response@ocgov.com>, GGEA President <president@ggea.org>, Jim Tortolano
<orangecountytribune@gmail.com>, George Brietigam <georgeb@ggcity.org>, Maureen Blackmun
<maureen.ggna@gmail.com>, <ADAM.BOMAN@asm.ca.gov>, SENATOR.WIENER@SENATE.CA.GOV
<SENATOR.WIENER@senate.ca.gov>
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