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Bill

HB 1316

Primary and Secondary Education - Youth-Centric Technology and Social Media Resource Guide

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Korman and 3 co-sponsors

Maryland would have required schools to use a state-developed resource guide on youth technology and social media use, but the governor vetoed it citing policy concerns.

Vetoed by the Governor (Policy)
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Bill Summary · HB 1316

Legislative bill overview

HB 1316 would have required Maryland's Department of Education to develop and distribute a comprehensive resource guide for primary and secondary schools addressing technology use and social media's effects on youth. The guide would provide evidence-based information to help educators, administrators, and families understand digital literacy, online safety, and healthy technology habits.

Why is this important

As young people spend increasing time on digital platforms, schools need practical guidance to address both opportunities and harms—including mental health impacts, cyberbullying, and attention concerns. A state-level resource guide could standardize best practices across Maryland's diverse school systems and help educators navigate these complex issues consistently.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and authority concerns: Questions over whether state-mandated guidance might limit local school control or impose one-size-fits-all approaches to technology policies that vary by community needs
  • Implementation costs and resources: Creating and maintaining a comprehensive guide requires funding and staff capacity that some school districts may struggle to allocate
  • Definitional challenges: Disagreement over what constitutes "healthy" technology use, appropriate content parameters, and whether the guide adequately addresses both benefits and risks of digital tools

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

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