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Tennessee House debates K–12 internet, social media and AI safety guidance; bill fails to reach constitutional majority
Summary
A bill requiring the Department of Education to develop guidance on social media, internet and AI safety instruction for grades 6–12 drew extended debate over classroom time, parental opt-outs and what counts as "age appropriate." The House vote did not reach a constitutional majority, according to the chamber record.
Representative Josh Mayberry, the bill sponsor, told the Tennessee House on Thursday that House Bill 8 25 would require the Department of Education to develop guidance by January 2026 for instruction on social media, Internet and artificial intelligence safety for students in grades 6 through 12.
Mayberry said the guidance would cover time management, healthy digital habits, mental-health risks and addiction, privacy and personal safety, spotting online predators and cyberbullying, and “understanding AI information and media manipulation,” and that instruction would begin in the 2026–27 school year. He also said parents could excuse a child from some or all of the instruction.
Rep. Justin Johnson (R) and other lawmakers questioned whether the bill adds instruction without…
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