ATLANTA – The House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on the Impact of Online Platforms on Georgia Youth, chaired by State Representative Rob Clifton (R-Evans), will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Georgia State University Student Center East in Atlanta, Georgia.
During the meeting, study committee members will hear testimony from Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, Lydia Prudent of the University of Georgia, Lauren James with Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project, Rhonda Thomas of Truth in Education, Sam Lewis with Distraction Free Schools and Kyle Raque with Three Creeks Wilderness Therapy Program. The study committee will also hear from Tenille Chapman, Sam Springfield and Schlep.
Rep. Clifton emphasizes that one of the primary motivations behind the creation of the study committee was hearing the story of “Schlep,” a young man who shared his experience on the Shawn Ryan Podcast last fall and detailed how he was groomed through Roblox. His firsthand account brought increased attention from parents and policymakers to the risks that can exist on online platforms. Following his research, Rep. Clifton determined that Georgia should further examine the impact of online platforms on children, which ultimately led to the creation of this study committee.
The House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on the Impact of Online Platforms on Georgia Youth will evaluate the effects of online platforms on minors to strengthen safety protections, address mental health concerns and promote age-appropriate access to online content.
For more information about the study committee meeting and to access the livestream, please click here.
WHO: House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on the Impact of Online Platforms on Georgia Youth
WHAT: Study Committee Meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WHERE: Georgia State University Student Center East, 55 Gilmer St., Room 110 A, Atlanta, GA 30303
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