04-04-2025
Social media safety could be taught in Tennessee schools
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Social media, artificial intelligence and internet safety could soon be taught to Tennessee middle and high schoolers under a bill on its way to Governor Bill Lee's desk.
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The proposed legislation, called the 'Teen Social Media and Internet Safety Act,' would require the Department of Education to develop curricula on social media, internet and artificial intelligence use and safety for 6th through 12th graders.
Topics would include:
Time management and healthy behaviors on social media
The negative effects of social media on mental health
The permanency of sharing material online
The potential for misinformation when using artificial intelligence
The benefits of social media use for career and resume building
Sponsored by Rep. Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville) and Sen. Bill Powers (R-Clarksville), the bill was unanimously passed Senate Thursday morning.
'This is a common-sense step to protect students and equip them with the tools they need to navigate the digital world safely,' Powers said.
The bill would also require school districts to prohibit students from using social media during school unless it's for educational purposes.
The measure passed the House March 27, but some Democrats voted against the bill due to logistical concerns.
'You named a lot of different skills that have to be taught, and that's going to take a lot of time,' Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) said. 'Something has to be removed from the curriculum to require this to be done, and that is my concern.'
Maberry argued teaching social media and internet safety is worth the time, detailing a story about a student from Florida whose parents say took his own life over an artificial intelligence bot.
'We need our young people to understand the seriousness of this — and understand the benefits of this — and that's why I brought this legislation today,' Maberry said.
The bill passed the House 88 to 4, with three lawmakers not voting. It will be sent to Lee's desk. As long as he doesn't veto it, the measure would go into effect during the 2026-27 school year.
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