Bill > H5366

This bill aims to protect minors and promote safer technology use by implementing several key provisions. Firstly, it requires school districts to establish policies prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, during the school day, with exceptions for educational purposes or emergencies, and mandates that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provide guidance and a model policy for these districts. Secondly, it introduces new regulations for social media platforms, prohibiting minors under 14 from using them and requiring parental consent for 14 and 15-year-olds, while also restricting addictive features and implementing stricter safety settings for this age group, with penalties for violations. Additionally, the bill mandates that schools provide instruction on the risks of social media use and directs DESE to offer resources and training for educators on this topic. Finally, it establishes a pilot program for 10 districts to test technological solutions for rendering personal electronic devices inoperable during school hours, with a focus on privacy and essential functions like 911 calls.