Iowa House Bill HF2546

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to minors using the internet, including social media and internet safety instruction and education requirements in public schools and liability for publication of obscene material available to minors on the internet.(Formerly HF 2114.)

Impact

The bill enforces strict guidelines regulating student access to social media platforms through school-provided internet, allowing such access only for educational purposes. Additionally, schools are required to adopt internet safety policies that aim to protect students from inappropriate content and ensure secure communication. These measures are designed to create an informed environment where students learn how to engage with digital content responsibly while being shielded from harmful materials.

Summary

House File 2546 aims to enhance the safety of minors using the internet by mandating educational requirements regarding social media and internet safety in public schools. The bill instructs the Department of Education to develop a curriculum tailored for students in grades 6 through 12. This curriculum will cover essential topics such as the effects of social media on mental health, the permanence of sharing information online, and how to maintain personal security while identifying potential threats like cyberbullying and predatory behavior. Parents are given the option to opt their children out of this curriculum if they choose.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HF2546 relates to its Division II, which addresses the distribution of obscene material to minors on the internet. The bill imposes civil liability on commercial entities that fail to verify the age of individuals attempting to access such material. This change aims to hold businesses accountable for protecting minors but raises concerns about the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing robust age verification systems. Critics argue this could lead to overreach in monitoring online content and may not adequately address the existing issues surrounding minors' exposure to inappropriate material.