Image Credit: TN Dept of Education / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
The Tennessee General Assembly passed some education-related laws earlier this year and some go into effect soon with the beginning of the new academic year.
Teen Social Media and Internet Safety Act
Each LEA and public charter school in Tennessee will be required to block social media platforms from students using the school’s internet, unless allowed by a teacher for educational purposes.
Schools must also limit content that students can access to that which is age-appropriate, protect the safety and security of students accessing email, chat rooms, and other forms of direct, electronic communication while using school internet, and also block websites, web applications, or software that does not protect the personal information of students.
The legislation passed unanimously in the Senate in a rare example of bipartisanship following passage in the state House of Representatives.
The bill originally required the department of education to develop a curriculum to instruct 6th-12th grade students on social media and internet safety, but due to the fiscal impact that would have entailed, the legislation was changed to providing guidelines instead.
In addition, beginning next fall for the 2026-2027 school year, students in grades 6 through 12 must receive instruction on a number of topics related to staying safe while using the internet and the pros and cons of social media.
Use of Cell Phones in Classrooms Banned
Banning cell phones in the classroom was another issue that found support from both Republicans and Democrats this year.
Sponsors of the bill said that the aim of the legislation was “to minimize classroom distractions and internet bullying on our school campuses” and that school superintendents had asked that the Tennessee General Assembly make a law regarding the use of cell phones.
Despite most districts already having policies regarding cell phone use ahead of the passage of the law, it is now mandated that all LEAs and public charter schools create a wireless communication device policy that prohibits the use of cell phones or other “wireless communication devices” during instructional time unless teachers allow their use for educational purposes during class. Students with disabilities or health issues who must use a wireless device are exempt..
LEAs must also establish “a process by which parents or guardians of students will be contacted in the event of an emergency or possible emergency occurring at the school at which the parent’s student is enrolled to ensure that the absence of, or restricted access to, wireless communication devices during the school day does not prevent parents from receiving notice of an emergency or possible emergency.”
While parents across the state generally support the restriction of cell phone use at school, being able to reach their child during an emergency has been the major area of concern. Along with wanting to be able to communicate with their child during an event like a school shooting, parents have also argued that students should have access to their phones in order to document questionable behavior in the classroom.
Increasing Recess Time for Elementary Students
The new law takes the current recess requirements for elementary school students from 15 minutes per day to 40 minutes. According to research, more physical activity helps children develop better socialization skills, leads to less classroom disruptions, helps combat childhood obesity, and increases academic results.
The legislation passed almost unanimously in both the House and Senate with the lone “No” vote coming from curmudgeon Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga-District 10).
The “Recess Moms” have now turned their attention to the state’s middle schools.
Increasing Access to the Future Teacher Scholarship
Lawmakers passed changes to the law this year, both improving the scholarship program and increasing eligibility. The award was previously limited to undergraduate juniors and seniors pursuing a bachelor’s degree but has now been expanded to postbaccalaureate students seeking an initial educator license.
The program has also been changed from a last-dollar scholarship, being awarded after all other financial aid has been applied to tuition and fees, to a guaranteed $3,500 per academic year.
The four-year teaching commitment has also been cut in half. Recipients must now only commit to teaching in a state school district or public charter school for two consecutive years either in a school located in a distressed or at-risk county, or in a subject area for which there is a critical shortage.
Success Sequence Act
Beginning next school year, schools must provide instruction on the keys to a successful life, incorporating the instruction into the state’s Family Life Curriculum.
According to research and data, the steps to the Success Sequence are completing high school, going on to higher education or becoming employed, getting married, and then having children, in that order.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
All good but with lucifer’s dimmercraps running/teaching “schools” it’s doubtful they’ll be properly administered.