Florida — A new bill making its way through the Florida legislature would change the way many students access popular social media platforms while on school grounds.
HB 379 also titled, “Technology In K-12 Public Schools,” would not only ban the use of social media in schools but it would require schools to educate middle and high school students about the dangers of using social media.
Instruction on the topic would include mental health, security, human trafficking, and cyberbullying.
Under the ruling, teachers would be required to have a designated area where students would have to put their phones during instructional time to ensure they are not accessing the prohibited platforms.
It also prohibits the use of TikTok on school district-owned devices, through internet access provided by a school district, or as a platform to promote any district school, club, or team.
The bill is currently waiting for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature.
If the governor signs the bill, it will go into effect July 1st.