According to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, nearly 95% of teenagers age 13 to 17 use social media. Children and adolescents who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media face double the risk of mental health problems including experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. 
 
I plan to introduce legislation intended to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly navigate social media and mobile technology.
 
Specifically, this legislation would require that the academic standards adopted by the State Board of Education include, but not be limited to, instruction on:
 

• The effects of social media and mobile device usage on students, including potential mental, psychological, and physical impacts.
• The potential impacts of social media and mobile device usage on academic growth and learning.
• Safe and responsible use of social media, including how to identify suspicious online behavior such as cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and potential human trafficking.
• Best practices for maintaining personal security on mobile devices.

 
As social media and mobile technology continue to play a significant role in students’ lives, this legislation seeks to promote student safety, well-being, and academic success through thoughtful, age-appropriate education.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.