The bill amends the Education Code to require public school districts in Texas to include online safety instruction as part of their curriculum for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Specifically, it adds online safety as a component of the enrichment curriculum, which includes teaching students about the potential dangers of using Internet websites, social media applications, and applications that utilize artificial intelligence. The State Board of Education is tasked with developing essential knowledge and skills related to online safety, covering topics such as sharing information on social media, maintaining personal security, preventing oversharing, identifying cyberbullying and predatory behavior, and understanding the permanence of online information.

Additionally, the bill amends the Government Code to mandate the Department of Public Safety to educate citizens under the age of 18 about online safety in relation to Internet usage. This comprehensive plan aims to enhance public safety and crime prevention by equipping minors with the necessary knowledge to navigate online environments safely. The changes to the Education Code will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, while the bill itself will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.002, Government Code 37.218 (Government Code 37, Education Code 28)