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Bill

Bill

SB 2787

Relating to digital citizenship and media literacy instruction in public schools and a public school policy regarding Internet safety.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by José Menéndez

Texas bill requires public schools to establish digital citizenship, media literacy curriculum, and internet safety policies for student instruction.

Referred to Education K-16
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Bill Summary · SB 2787

Legislative bill overview

SB 2787 mandates that Texas public schools develop and implement curriculum standards for digital citizenship and media literacy instruction, while also establishing school policies addressing internet safety. The bill requires schools to teach students critical skills for navigating digital environments, including evaluating online information credibility and recognizing online risks.

Why is this important

As students increasingly conduct academic work and social interaction online, schools face pressure to formally address digital competency gaps that parents and educators identify. The bill targets a genuine educational need—many students lack structured instruction in distinguishing misinformation, protecting personal data, and engaging responsibly in digital spaces, which affects both academic success and personal safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Curriculum scope and standards: No detail provided on what specific competencies must be taught, creating uncertainty about whether instruction would be age-appropriate, consistent across districts, or aligned with existing curricula
  • Implementation costs and resources: Developing new curriculum standards and requiring teacher training could impose significant unfunded mandates on school districts already facing budget constraints
  • Content sensitivity: Media literacy instruction inevitably involves examining problematic online content and ideologies, which could trigger disputes over what examples schools should use and how to present controversial material neutrally

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

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