This bill mandates the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in Arkansas to establish digital media standards for students from kindergarten through grade twelve. The new section added to Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 16, Subchapter 1, outlines the urgent need to address the potentially harmful effects of social media on both children and adults. It emphasizes the importance of teaching students to be digitally literate and responsible, thereby protecting them from these negative impacts. The bill defines key terms such as "digital citizenship," "digital wellness," "media literacy," and "social media literacy," which will form the foundation of the new standards.

By the 2026-2027 school year, the Division is required to implement these digital media standards, which will be integrated into existing English language arts and library media standards, with consideration for other content areas as well. The standards will cover various topics, including digital citizenship, internet safety, the positive and negative effects of social media, and the proper use of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the Division is tasked with creating or endorsing a curriculum to support these standards and providing parental resources to aid in their implementation.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1283 V2 - 2-27-2025 10:44 AM: 6-25-103(a), 02-27-2025