Forsyth County Schools to post Internet Acceptable Use policy update tied to state law for 30-day public comment

The Forsyth County Board of Education on Aug. 19 heard a presentation on proposed updates to policy IFBG, the district's Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Presenter Mr. Mike Evans said the revisions align the policy with Senate Bill 351, described in the presentation as the "Protecting Georgia's Children on Social Media Act of 2024," and incorporate elements of the district's Digital Citizenship program for grades 6 through 12.

Mr. Evans told the board the new state law requires districts to submit their board-approved acceptable-use policies annually to the State Board of Education for review and to report on the content-filtering and technology mediums used to limit harmful social-media access for minors. He said the district will post the draft policy for public feedback for 30 days and return it to the board for a vote at the next scheduled meeting.

Board members asked whether the update is state-mandated; the presenter confirmed it is, and that additional state guidance is expected later in the school year. The presenter also said the statute includes provisions intended to solicit parental feedback or approval for access of children under age 16 on social platforms.

No final vote was taken on IFBG at the Aug. 19 meeting; the board will consider adoption after the public comment period.