State Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, is pushing to ensure Tennessee students have the tools they need to stay safe on social media and the internet.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, is pushing to ensure Tennessee students have the tools they need to stay safe on social media and the internet.
The Teen Social Media and Internet Safety Act, or House Bill 825, requires public and charter schools to provide social media and internet safety lessons for students in grades 6-12. These lessons would be taught during the student’s health or physical education classes.
“I’ve spent decades working with school-aged children, and I have found that many students are unaware of the necessary safety measures for social media and the internet,” Maberry said. “While we can’t always control dangers online, we can ensure our students are equipped with the skills to stay safe.”
A 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory stated up to 95% of teens ages 13-17 use using social media platforms, with 64% reporting being ‘often’ or ‘sometimes’ exposed to hate- content online.
Curriculum must cover topics such as time management, mental health effects, privacy, cyberbullying, online safety and the impacts of artificial intelligence and misinformation.
The curriculum and education materials would be developed with the guidance of the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and implemented in all school districts and public charter schools beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
Parents can excuse their child from part or all of the lessons by providing a written request to the school’s principal. Excused students would be assigned an alternative assignment to avoid any grading penalties.
School internet access is also addressed in the legislation. If passed, students would be prohibited from accessing social media on the school’s internet beginning in the 2025-26 school year. There are exceptions for authorized use by a teacher for educational purposes.
The Teen Social Media and Internet Safety Act is expected to be heard on the House floor for a vote on March 27. The companion bill is expected to be heard in the Senate Education Committee on March 26.
Aron Maberry represents House District 68 which includes part of Montgomery County.
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