The California State Assembly approved AB 678 by Assistant Speaker pro Tempore Isadore Hall, III (D- Compton), which would require school districts to update their education technology plans to reflect new technologies and encourages districts to partner with information technology companies and non-profit organizations to supplement their Internet safety curriculum.
The measure was approved by a vote of 49 to 22.
As Internet technologies have evolved, the state’s education code has not been updated to reflect these new technologies and the need for schools to ensure a student’s safe use of the Internet while on campus.
While the Internet has been a proven tool to increase academic achievement, the Internet can also be used to access age-inappropriate content or provide a venue to bully, harass or intimidate a fellow classmate.
AB 678 is consistent with federal requirements for the use of content control software on school computers and with state efforts to combat cyberbullying and other inappropriate uses of the Internet.
“The Internet is a great educational tool that can be used to increase student success, close the achievement gap and prepare our future workforce for the demands of the 21st Century global economy,” said Assemblymember Hall. “This measure will help children learn the responsible use of this evolving technology and provide important tools to keep children safe while on-line.”
AB 678 now moves to the State Senate for further consideration.
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