SACRAMENTO – Legislation by State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) to ensure students in California’s public schools learn how to assess media sources critically, and act ethically, responsibly, and safely online passed off the Senate Floor today on a 27 to 10 vote and now heads to the Governor’s desk.
Senate Bill 947 establishes a state-based advisory committee comprised of educators, administrators, researchers, and parents who will work with oversight by the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop best practices, resources, and models for instruction of digital citizenship and media literacy.
Among other things, the advisory group will help develop strategies for school districts to implement instructional tools on digital citizenship and media literacy, including professional development and training for educators and administrators.
“While technology holds great promise for enhancing how children learn, young people need support and training on how to navigate their digital world, particularly when it comes to cyberbullying, privacy, digital footprints, and fake news,” said Senator Jackson. “SB 947 will ensure that digital citizenship, internet safety, and media literacy become part of the state’s basic educational goals and learning requirements.”
SB 947 is supported by Common Sense Kids Action. “With an educator community of more than 300,000 teachers, Common Sense supports kids and families as they navigate the digital age. We are in full support of Senator Jackson’s SB 947, which will ultimately empower students to make ethical choices when it comes to technology use. By identifying best practices for the teaching of digital citizenship in K-12 schools, SB 947 is an important first step in establishing a statewide curriculum for kids in today’s connected world,” said Elizabeth Galicia, Vice President of Common Sense Kids Action.
Jackson represents the 19th Senate District, which includes all of Santa Barbara County and western Ventura County.