SB74INTRODUCED
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SB74
AP86SS7-1
By Senator Weaver
RFD: Education Policy
First Read: 04-Feb-25
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5 AP86SS7-1 01/28/2024 GP (L)lg 2024-2645
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First Read: 04-Feb-25
SYNOPSIS:
This bill would require the State Board of
Education to develop a cyber safety education program
focusing on Internet safety, cyberbullying, and
sexting.
This bill would require the program to be
annually presented by school resource officers to each
public middle school and high school.
This bill would provide parameters for the
curriculum of the program and the training of
instructors.
This bill would also require the state board to
adopt appropriate rules and local boards of education
to implement the program.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to public K-12 education; to require the State
Board of Education to create a cyber safety education program;
to provide parameters for the curriculum of the program and
the training of instructors; and to require the state board to
adopt rules and local boards of education to implement the
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adopt rules and local boards of education to implement the
program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. (a)(1) The State Board of Education shall
develop a cyber safety education program focusing on the
hazards of the Internet, cyberbullying, and sexting, and
providing tips for safe Internet use.
(2) The program shall be presented annually at each
public middle school and high school.
(b) The program shall include, but not be limited to,
the following instruction:
(1) Alabama laws related to Internet safety,
cyberbullying, sexting, and child pornography.
(2) Information about the hazards and potential
consequences of sexting including, but not limited to:
a. How digital files can be easily saved and
distributed to others without the knowledge or permission of
the sender;
b. An explanation of how images sent through messaging
services that advertise disappearing pictures could still be
retained without the sender's knowledge;
c. Mental health risks;
d. That images posted online may be seen years later
with embarrassing or damaging consequences; and
e. How Alabama child pornography laws could be
implicated by sexting.
(3) Resources available to an individual whose private
information or photos are shared including, but not limited
to, mental health resources, legal resources, and the National
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to, mental health resources, legal resources, and the National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children's "Take it Down"
service.
(4) Information about the hazards and potential
consequences of cyberbullying including, but not limited to:
a. A discussion of how cyberbullying can impact the
mental and physical health of a victim;
b. Resources for victims of cyberbullying;
c. An explanation of possible penalties of
cyberbullying, including when cyberbullying could result in
school discipline; and
d. How to report cyberbullying.
(5) General Internet and social media safety tips
including, but not limited to, information about the risks
associated with posting personal information online,
interacting with unfamiliar individuals, and the use of
location services.
(6) Any other information, advice, or resources related
to cyber safety deemed relevant by the board.
(c) The program shall be administered by school
resource officers. The board shall develop a process to train
school resource officers to administer the program.
(d) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to
implement and administer this section. Each local board of
education shall adopt policies to implement the cyber security
education program.
Section 2. This act shall become effective on October
1, 2025.
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