SCS/HCS/HB 169 - Under this act, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall, subject to appropriation, establish a statewide program to be known as the "Internet and Social Media Awareness Program" to increase awareness of appropriate online behavior and skills among students in public schools. The Department is required to consult with the Career and Technical Advisory Council in order to develop materials to be used by public schools for the instruction of online behavior. The Council shall evaluate the effectiveness of the materials each school year and shall provide such evaluation to the Department.
Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, and continuing each school year thereafter, each school district and charter school shall maintain a policy on internet and social media awareness to protect the health and well-being of all district and charter school students, and to ensure that all students have age-appropriate instruction on how to navigate online courses and engage in appropriate online behavior. Such policy shall be coordinated with other policies supporting the safety and emotional health of students.
The internet and social media awareness policy shall ensure that all students in the fourth grade receive instruction on how to navigate online courses and engage in appropriate online behavior. Such policy shall specify other age-appropriate educational experiences at both the elementary and secondary levels to ensure that all students receive necessary instruction on internet use and social media awareness.
JOSIE BUTLER