New Jersey Senate Bill S2360

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/22
• Refer: 3/21/22

Caption

Provides that required instruction on sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention in grades preschool through 12 include content on Internet safety and dangers of online predators.

Impact

The enactment of S2360 would amend current legislation (P.L.2019, c.185) that mandates the inclusion of sexual abuse and assault awareness education in schools. By integrating Internet safety into the curriculum, this bill would necessitate that educators and administrators collaborate with various organizations, including the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking, to develop and implement appropriate learning activities and resources. The overall impact of this bill could lead to improved awareness among students regarding online safety and preventive measures against potential exploitation.

Summary

Senate Bill S2360 aims to enhance the mandatory curriculum for sexual abuse and assault awareness education within New Jersey's school districts for grades preschool through 12. This bill's primary objective is to incorporate important content on Internet safety and the threats posed by online predators into existing education requirements. The bill seeks to ensure that students from a young age receive guidance about potential dangers they may encounter online, thereby fostering a safer educational environment. Through this initiative, the bill aligns educational content with growing concerns regarding children's safety in the digital age.

Contention

While the bill seems to have broad support given its focus on child safety and education, discussions surrounding its implementation may reflect differing opinions on the adequacy of Internet safety education within existing frameworks. Some stakeholders might argue about the balance between comprehensive safety education and the risk of overwhelming students with potentially distressing content. Furthermore, there may be challenges related to training educators and providing the necessary resources to effectively deliver this expanded curriculum.