EAST HAVEN, Conn. — Max Parisi, a fifth-grade student at East Haven Academy, led a class discussion at a social media forum Wednesday with Attorney General William Tong and state Rep. Joe Zullo (R-East Haven) in attendance.
Tong and Zullo honored Parisi for his leadership in sharing safety tips for social media use with his peers, according to a release from Press Secretary Joseph Coss.
Parisi is a kid governor cabinet member and was elected to his position in January for his commitment to organizing safety forums and his passion for youth safety.
“I wanted to help my friends and classmates be safe online,” Parisi said, in the release. “It’s important to keep your information private and to be aware of the dangers in using social media.”
Tong joined 42 attorney generals last October in filing a lawsuit against social media giant, Meta, according to the release, which notes that the company allegedly knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Instagram and other social media platforms that purposefully addict children and teens.
In the months following, Tong hosted multiple social media forums to share his concerns and survey local students throughout Connecticut. Tong shared kind words for Parisi in the release.
“I am so proud of Max Parisi for standing up for kids across Connecticut and sharing his powerful message to keep kids safe online,” Tong said, in the release. “Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram knowingly allowed our kids access to highly addictive platforms riddled with harmful messages, with severe consequences for youth safety and mental health. Hearing directly from Connecticut kids about their experiences online informs our efforts to hold these companies accountable.”
Tong thanked Zullo for partnering with him on the forum. Zullo invited Tong to East Haven earlier this year to recognize Parisi for his work and co-host the student forum on practicing smart social media use, according to the release.
On Wednesday, Zullo spoke on how society has evolved from when he was an East Haven fifth grader. He recommended that families do what they can to ensure safety and positivity online.
“Alongside the safety tips discussed today, we must remember to be kind,” Zullo said, in the release. “I am proud of Max for setting a great example today, and I challenge all our students to follow his lead. Whether it’s promoting safety, serving our community, or completing a simple random act of kindness, together we can establish meaningful relationships and positive change throughout Connecticut.”
Parisi received an official legislative citation signed by members of the state’s General Assembly, the release said, adding that Tong and Zullo both extended their gratitude to the teachers and staff of the East Haven Academy and the work of the Connecticut Kid Governor program.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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