Staff member outlines new "SWOT" online-safety curriculum; parents told they may opt children out

A staff member said the state requires a new online-safety program called "SWOT" (Safety While Accessing Technology) and that it must be taught annually to students in grades 3 through 12 under Senate Bill 466, passed in 2024. "SWOT stands for Safety While Accessing Technology," the staff member said, and "this education has to be provided annually."

The staff member said the West Virginia Department of Education prepared the SWOT curriculum for districts to use and that the local school system has adopted a policy to implement it in schools. The speaker listed the topics the law requires: safe and responsible use of social networking sites; the risks of transmitting personal information online; copyright laws; encouraging open communication with trusted adults if a child senses a problem; how to recognize, avoid and report suspicious, potentially dangerous or illegal online communications or activities; available resources and assistance programs; and the risks associated with sharing suggestive or explicit materials.

Parents were told they may review the curriculum with their child's principal and may opt their child out of the instruction. "You have the right to talk with your child's principal about the curriculum" and "you have the right to opt your child out of this curriculum," the staff member said, adding that any opt-out must be processed through the principal. The speaker encouraged parents with questions to speak directly to their child's principal and noted the program was implemented this school year.

No formal vote or motion was recorded in this message. The presentation served as an informational notice about implementation and parental rights under state law.