Relating to instruction in online safety for minors provided in public schools and by the Department of Public Safety.
If enacted, SB1298 would amend the Texas Education Code by adding online safety as part of the required curriculum for grades K-12. Schools would be responsible for offering instruction on various topics such as the permanence of online information, appropriate responses to suspicious online activity, and interactions with artificial intelligence applications. This bill serves to standardize the educational approach to online safety across the state, potentially influencing broad changes in how schools prepare students for challenges in the digital environment.
Senate Bill 1298 (SB1298) addresses the growing need for online safety education among minors in Texas public schools. The bill mandates that school districts implement an online safety curriculum that encompasses essential knowledge and skills relevant to digital interactions. This includes understanding the risks of sharing personal information on social media, recognizing cyberbullying and predatory behaviors, and the importance of maintaining personal security in an increasingly digital world. The curriculum aims to equip students with the tools necessary to navigate online spaces safely and responsibly.
While the intent of SB1298 is to promote the welfare of children in digital spaces, its implementation may raise discussions regarding the adequacy of resources allocated for such programs. Concerns about funding, staffing, and the actual effectiveness of the curriculum may arise among educational stakeholders. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on how to best teach online safety, creating potential contention over course content and its delivery in schools.
Education Code
Government Code