New Jersey Assembly Bill A3271

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Requires provision of instruction on safe user practices for certain websites and mobile applications as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

Impact

The bill specifically outlines safe practices for students when using ride share applications such as Lyft and Uber, as well as engaging in transactions on classified advertisement websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Among the safety measures to be taught are guidelines for performing transactions, such as meeting in public places, avoiding cash payments, and confirming identities before entering vehicles. The incorporation of these safety lessons aims to empower students with knowledge about the potential dangers of these platforms, ensuring they are better prepared to navigate them responsibly.

Summary

House Bill A3271 requires New Jersey school districts to incorporate instruction on safe user practices for ride share applications and classified advertisement websites into the health and physical education curriculum for students in grades 7 through 12. This legislation aims to address the increasing use of these platforms among younger populations, highlighting the need for safety precautions to mitigate potential risks associated with their usage. Starting from the 2020-2021 school year, schools are mandated to develop this curriculum, which is to be integrated into the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

Contention

While the intent behind A3271 is largely seen as positive, promoting student safety, it may also raise concerns regarding the adequacy of resources and training for teachers to effectively deliver this new content. Critics might argue that while the bill addresses important safety issues, the implementation details—such as how schools will fit this instruction into existing curricula—are not clearly specified, potentially leading to inconsistencies in how well these safety measures are taught. Additionally, some may question whether the focus on education alone is enough to tackle the broader issues surrounding safety on digital platforms.