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HD 3070

An Act promoting safe technology use and distraction-free education for youth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jenny Armini and 8 co-sponsors

Massachusetts schools must curb personal device use, teach social media safety, and implement a new Online Protection framework (Chapter 93M) to shield youth online.

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Bill Summary · HD 3070

Summary: An Act promoting safe technology use and distraction-free education for youth (HD 3070)

Overview

This Massachusetts bill, introduced as House Bill No. 666 and linked to House docket No. 3070, seeks to reduce distractions from personal electronic devices in public schools and to promote education about safe social media use. It also establishes a new regulatory framework—Chapter 93M (Online Protection)—to address online safety for youth, including aspects related to social media platforms and algorithmic ranking systems. The version provided includes two new school-policy sections and a new chapter of online-protection rules. Details beyond the definitions in the new chapter are incomplete in the source text.

Key Provisions

  • Section 101: School device-use policy

    • Requires every public school to have a policy governing the use of personal electronic devices on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities.
    • The policy must aim to reduce distractions, maintain a learning-focused environment, and protect student and staff privacy and safety.
    • Prohibits students from physically accessing personal devices during the school day unless:
    • Authorized by a school administrator for an individual learner’s needs;
    • Used in accordance with an individualized education program (IEP) or a 504 plan;
    • During an emergency.
    • Defines “personal electronic device” to include devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, or other devices not provided by the school capable of internet or wireless communication.
    • Policy development is by the school committee (in coordination with the superintendent or charter-school board of trustees).
    • The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), with input from the Attorney General’s office and the Department of Public Health, must provide guidance to aid implementation, and publish guidance on the DESE website.
    • Districts and charter schools must file their device-use policies with DESE.

  • Section 102: Social media education policy

    • Requires each public school to have a policy educating students about the social, emotional, and physical risks of social media use.
    • Schools must notify parents/guardians and post the policy on the school website.
    • Policy standards/enforcement to be set by the school district/charter-school leadership.
    • DESE, with AG and DPH input, must provide guidance and recommendations for social media education, including resources, community norms, parental guidance, recognizing warning signs, and available supports, updated as needed.
    • Districts/charter schools must file their social media-use education policies with DESE.

  • Section 2: Creation of Chapter 93M – Online Protection

    • Establishes a new legal framework titled “Online Protection” with a defined glossary (e.g., account, algorithmic ranking system, content, social media platform, minor, parent, etc.).
    • The text provided includes the definitions but truncates the later subsections, so the substantive requirements, duties, or restrictions in this chapter are not fully shown in the provided material.

Who Is Affected

  • Public schools and school districts, including Commonwealth charter schools.
  • School administrators, school committees, and DESE for policy development and guidance.
  • Students (K-12), parents/guardians, and potentially teachers and staff due to device-policy enforcement.
  • State offices (Attorney General, Department of Public Health) consulted for guidance.
  • In the Online Protection section, users of social media platforms and parents/guardians are encompassed by the defined terms, with the specifics to be detailed in the missing portions.

Implementation and Timeline (Procedural Context)

  • Schools must develop, implement, and file device-use and social-media education policies with DESE.
  • DESE must provide guidance and update it as research/best practices evolve.
  • The new Chapter 93M would set rules for online protection, with definitions already provided; full requirements depend on the sections not shown in the provided text.

Notes

  • The provided text includes a truncated portion of Section 2(a) under Chapter 93M, so the complete regulatory or enforcement provisions are not visible.
  • The status of the bill (passage, amendments, or enactment timeline) is not specified in the provided material.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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