Bill > S3901

This bill requires school districts in New Jersey to expand existing social media education requirements by incorporating comprehensive instruction on the risks associated with social media and cell phone addiction for students in grades 6 through 12, instead of the previous requirement which only covered grades 6 through 8 and was part of technology education. The instruction, which will now be integrated into the Comprehensive Health and Physical Education curriculum, must provide students with information about responsible platform usage, cyber safety, cyber security, and cyber ethics, as well as detailed insights into the potential negative consequences of irresponsible social media and cell phone use. Specifically, the bill mandates that schools educate students about how excessive social media and cell phone use can negatively impact mental health, personal relationships, and personal development, including risks like cyber bullying. The Commissioner of Education is tasked with developing sample learning activities and resources to support school districts in implementing this expanded educational requirement. The bill aims to proactively address growing concerns about technology's impact on young people's well-being by ensuring students receive structured guidance about healthy digital engagement.

Education

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3901