House approves Internet, social‑media and AI safety instruction for grades 6–12 after debate

The Tennessee House on the floor approved HB 8 25, a bill that tasks the Department of Education with developing guidance and requires public local education agencies to instruct students in grades 6–12 on social‑media, Internet and AI safety beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

Sponsor Representative Mayberry said the guidance will cover time management, healthy digital habits, mental‑health risks and addiction, privacy and safety, spotting predators and cyberbullying, and understanding AI and media manipulation. "This bill is gonna highlight to that to them," Mayberry said, noting a personal connection to after‑school work with high‑school students.

Representative Johnson, who pressed the sponsor on classroom time and teacher capacity, warned: "Teachers right now cannot get in everything they need to do." Johnson argued the state is already requiring many standards and that the bill risks adding more expectations without more instructional time. Chairman White and others sought clarification about a provision limiting content accessible on LEA‑provided Internet to "age‑appropriate" material; the sponsor said the intent was protective rather than censorial.

After adoption of a committee amendment and floor debate, the Clerk reported the vote as "ayes 88, nays 4, 3 present," and the bill received final passage. The bill creates an opt‑out for a parent or guardian who wishes to excuse a student from some or all of the instruction, and directs the Department of Education to publish the guidance for local implementation by January 2026.

Members who supported the bill emphasized student safety on online platforms and the risks of unregulated AI interactions; opponents raised concerns about adding curriculum time without removing other requirements.