A new legislative proposal in Virginia, House Bill 1840, aims to enhance transparency and parental involvement regarding student online activity in schools. Introduced on January 27, 2025, the bill addresses growing concerns about student privacy in an increasingly digital educational environment.

The primary purpose of HB1840 is to ensure that parents are informed about the online activities of their children while using school resources. Key provisions of the bill include the requirement for school divisions to incorporate a statement in their acceptable use policy, indicating that student online activity is being tracked and that data is collected. This aims to create a clearer understanding among parents about how their children's online interactions are monitored.

Additionally, the bill mandates that parents have access to any online activity data collected about their enrolled students. This access is intended to empower parents to stay informed about their children's digital footprint. Furthermore, the legislation stipulates that parents must be notified if an alert is generated or an action is taken based on their child's online activity, ensuring they are kept in the loop before the student is informed—unless such notification poses a safety risk.

Another significant aspect of HB1840 is the prohibition of including student online activity data in permanent records, except in severe cases defined by the Department of Education. This provision seeks to protect students from having their online behavior permanently documented, which could have long-term implications for their academic and personal lives.

The Department of Education is tasked with creating templates for school boards to facilitate the required disclosures to parents, detailing when and how student online activity is monitored, who receives the data, and the sharing protocols. Additionally, best practices for deleting student online activity data will be developed and distributed to ensure responsible data management.

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on student privacy and parental rights, it may face debates regarding the balance between necessary monitoring for safety and the potential overreach into students' personal online lives. Experts suggest that the implications of this bill could lead to a more engaged parent community, fostering a collaborative approach to student safety and well-being in the digital age.

As the legislative process unfolds, the outcomes of HB1840 could significantly impact how schools manage student online activity and how parents interact with their children's educational experiences. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the importance of transparency in education, particularly as technology continues to play a central role in learning environments.