Bill > SB772

This bill addresses media literacy in Hawaii's public education system by amending Section 302A-321 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to allow school complexes to incorporate media literacy into their standards-based curriculum. The bill recognizes the critical role of education in a healthy democracy and aims to combat the growing threats of disinformation, misinformation, digital discrimination, and online hate speech. Drawing on evidence from reports highlighting the negative impacts of these issues, such as increased violence toward minorities and the spread of false information about topics like the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislation empowers school complexes to develop curriculum content that helps students critically evaluate digital information and understand the potential harmful consequences of online hate and misinformation. Specifically, the bill adds a new subsection to existing law that gives school complexes the discretion to include media literacy lessons across grade levels, with the goal of promoting informed digital citizenship and helping students develop skills to identify and counteract harmful online content.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=772&year=2025