Bill > S462

This bill establishes a comprehensive media literacy education mandate for Massachusetts public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, requiring the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to integrate media literacy skills across all health and core curriculum areas. The bill defines key terms like "media literacy" (the ability to critically analyze media information), "social media literacy" (skills to prevent online interaction health consequences), and "digital citizenship" (responsible technology use), and mandates that curriculum guidelines be developed in consultation with public health experts and technology researchers. The curriculum must teach students crucial skills such as accessing accurate information, critically analyzing media content, evaluating information credibility, recognizing social media's limitations as a news source, making informed decisions based on digital sources, understanding technology's personal and societal impacts, protecting oneself from harmful online content, and creating responsible digital content. The department is also required to provide an online resource with approved media literacy curricula, with the entire program set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aiming to equip students with essential skills to navigate the complex modern media landscape safely and intelligently.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S462