The Tennessee State Legislature has introduced House Bill 825, aimed at enhancing social media and internet safety education for students. Proposed on April 28, 2025, the bill seeks to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth, particularly regarding mental health, privacy, and online behavior.

The bill mandates that local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools implement a comprehensive social media and internet safety curriculum. This curriculum will cover essential topics such as time management, the negative effects of social media, the permanence of online sharing, and strategies for maintaining personal security. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing cyberbullying and predatory behavior, as well as the need to evaluate information generated by artificial intelligence to combat misinformation.

Parents and guardians will have the option to excuse their children from portions or all of the instruction, provided they submit a written request to the school principal or teacher. Students excused from these lessons will not face penalties in grading if they complete alternative assignments satisfactorily.

A significant provision of the bill is the prohibition of student access to social media platforms through school-provided internet, effective from the 2025-2026 school year, unless authorized by a teacher for educational purposes. This aims to create a safer online environment for students during school hours.

The bill has sparked discussions among educators, parents, and mental health advocates. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step to protect children from the adverse effects of social media, while critics express concerns about potential overreach and the implications for students' freedom to access information.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications could reshape how internet safety is taught in Tennessee schools, potentially setting a precedent for similar initiatives in other states. The outcome of this legislation will be closely monitored, as it addresses critical issues surrounding youth engagement with technology in an increasingly digital world.