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CS/HB 379 — Technology in K-12 Public Schools
by Choice and Innovation Subcommittee and Rep. Yeager and others (CS/CS/CS/SB 52 by Fiscal Policy Committee; Appropriations Committee on Education; Education Pre-K - 12 Committee; and Senators Burgess, Osgood, Avila, Calatayud, and Garcia)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Pre-K -12 Committee (ED)
The bill (Chapter 2023-36, L.O.F.) requires public schools to provide instruction for students in grades 6-12 on the social, emotional, and physical effects of social media. The bill requires the Department of Education to make social media safety instructional material available online and district school boards to notify parents of the material’s availability.
The bill specifies that district school boards must provide and adopt an Internet safety policy for student access to the Internet provided by the school district which:
- Limits access by students to only age-appropriate subject matter and materials.
- Protects the safety and security of students when using e-mail and other forms of direct electronic communication.
- Prohibits access to data or information, and other unlawful online activities, by students.
- Prevents access to websites, applications, or software that does not protect against the disclosure, use, or dissemination of students’ personal information.
The bill requires each district school board prohibit and prevent students from accessing social media platforms through the use of Internet access provided by the school district, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes.
The bill also requires each school district to prohibit the use of the TikTok platform or any successor platform on Internet access provided by the school district or as a platform to communicate or promote any district school or school activity.
Additionally, the bill prohibits a student from using a wireless communications device during instructional time, except when directed by a teacher for educational purposes, and requires a teacher to designate an area for wireless communications devices during instructional time.
These provisions were approved by the Governor and take effect on July 1, 2023.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 114-0