(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Angel Fuentes (D-Camden/Gloucester) has introduced legislation to include social media as core curriculum content for students in grades 6 through 8. Bill A- would require all public school districts to teach social media related essentials to students.

“I find this legislation to be highly important, not only because of changing technology, but because of our growing dependency on social media usage,” said Assemblyman Fuentes. “Technology is dynamic, it is essential to keep up. Understanding how to safely and effectively navigate the many captivating social media platforms is a necessity.”

The students would learn the purpose and acceptable usage of the varying platforms of social media, behavior that ensures cyber safety, ethics, and security on social media, and also the potentially negative consequences of social media; such as bullying or irresponsible usage of social media platforms.

“Learning how to use social media as a tool can only help our students in their future endeavors,” added Assemblyman Fuentes. “Once you put something on the internet, that’s it. That post will always exist, even if you delete it. One misuse of this medium as a teen could plague your adult life forever.”

If passed, this act shall take affect the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. Social media will be incorporated into the technology education curriculum as a part of the Core Curriculum Content Standards in Technology. The Commissioner of Education will provide schools with sample learning activities and resources to help promote using social media responsibly.

###