This bill addresses the use of electronic devices in schools, focusing on student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and the incorporation of social media effects into the curriculum for grades six through eight. It mandates the development and distribution of model policies by the Department of Education by May 1, 2025, to guide school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in managing student use of personal electronic devices. The bill also requires consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services to provide professional development for teachers on the effects of social media, which must be included in the health curriculum for the specified grades.

Beginning July 1, 2025, school districts are required to adopt policies that restrict the use of personal electronic devices during classroom instructional time, detailing communication methods for parents and emergency protocols. The bill allows for more stringent policies than the model provided by the Department of Education. Additionally, it mandates revisions to high-quality emergency operations plans to align with these new policies and specifies that the costs associated with these mandates will be covered by state school foundation aid. The provisions of the bill take effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.9, 279.87, 256.11