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Senate approves guidance for schools on social‑media and AI safety lessons for grades 6–12
Summary
The Senate passed House Bill 8 25 directing the Department of Education to provide guidance and lessons on social media, internet and artificial intelligence safety for grades 6–12 and to block social media on school networks except for educational use; supporters called it bipartisan and a common‑sense step to protect students.
The Tennessee Senate voted to adopt House Bill 8 25 (conformed from Senate Bill 8 11) on third and final consideration, directing the Department of Education to provide guidance and create lessons on social media, internet and artificial‑intelligence safety for students in grades 6–12.
Sponsor Senator Powers described the measure as bipartisan and focused on equipping students with online‑safety skills: "This bill asks the Department of Education to provide guidance and to create social media, internet, and artificial intelligence safety lessons intended to be taught during coordinated school health for grades 6 through 12," Powers said.
The floor amendment removed a requirement that the department produce a statewide curriculum (the department issues guidance rather than curricula), which the sponsor said removed a fiscal note from the measure. The bill also requires schools to block social media on school internet access unless used for instruction.
Senator Campbell asked about funding; the sponsor and other senators said the bill’s change to guidance rather than mandated curricula reduced anticipated costs. The bill passed with a recorded vote announced by the clerk: 25 ayes and no nays.
Ending: The bill directs DOE to develop guidance and resources and requires local schools to restrict social‑media access on educational networks except for instruction; funding and local implementation will be matters for districts and the department.
