Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The House Education Committee passed legislation that would require the Department of Education to develop a curriculum to instruct 6-12th grade students enrolled in Tennessee public schools or public charter schools about social media and internet safety.
House Bill 0825 (HB0825), sponsored by State Representative Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville-District 68) is also known as the “Teen Social Media and Internet Safety Act.”
Required topics would include safe and healthy use of social media, the effects of social media on mental health and behavior, and being aware of the dangers of misinformation on social media and through artificial intelligence. This would be required beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, allowing time for curriculum to be developed.
The bill also requires that schools block all social media access unless used for educational purposes beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
During questioning, State Representative Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville-District 90) asked in what course the curriculum would be implemented. Maberry replied that it would be a part of coordinated health.
Johnson expressed concern that even more standards were being added for schools without additional time being given for those.
State Representative Ronnie Glynn (D-Clarksville-District 67) asked why the curriculum started with 6th grade. Maberry replied that he felt that was the age when most students had access to cell phones, but he acknowledged the possible need for that to be accessible to younger students as well.
The legislation passed unanimously, with the exception of Johnson, who was counted as present no voting.
With 16 ayes and 0 nays, the bill has been placed on the House calendar for March 27th for a floor vote.
