ATLANTA – The state Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill Monday aimed at protecting teenagers from cyberbullying and other negative effects of social media.
The Protect Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act was a top priority for Lt. Gov. Bert Jones, who chairs the Senate.
“Social media can be a very useful tool, but there are times when we must rein in Big Tech to protect the health and safety of our children,” Jones said after the 51-1 vote. “This legislation is a major step forward in our efforts to combat cyberbullying and protect Georgia’s children.”
Numerous studies have shown that excessive use of social media poses serious risks to young people, especially girls, and increases the risk of suicide.
Senate Bill 351 would require social media companies to take specific steps to verify the age of their users. Existing rules requiring schools to monitor bullying will be updated to reflect the realities of modern technology.
The bill would also require the state Department of Education to develop and regularly update programs to educate students on the safe use of social media, and require local school systems to adopt social media policies. , would be required to be implemented, enforced, and submitted to the Georgia State Board of Education for review. . Districts that do not comply could lose state funding.
The bill’s lead sponsor is Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas), chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus.
Anavitarte’s bill now moves to the Georgia House of Representatives.
