WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) spoke on the House floor about the concerning and disrespectful conduct of more than a dozen Great Valley Middle School students toward their teachers on TikTok. This was the first known effort of its kind in the U.S.

ICYMI: The New York Times – Students Target Teacher in Group TikTok Attack, Shaking Their School

Watch Houlahan’s remarks here and read the transcript below:

Thank you. As a former chemistry teacher, I understand how challenging fostering a positive learning environment can be. And 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 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. And it’s inappropriate regardless of a child’s age or whether the school is public, charter, or private. 

These teachers are questioning why they continue 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, and we must confront this crisis in schools and our homes as well because each of us has a responsibility to foster civility and decency. 

Our teachers deserve and expect our support. Anything less is unacceptable. Thank you, and I yield back.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.

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