New Tennessee Laws Impact School Year with Focus on Safety and Technology
Several new laws in Tennessee have come into effect as students return to school, aiming to reshape the educational experience. These laws, effective from July, address various aspects such as classroom technology, online safety, emergency preparedness, and student safety. One significant law mandates that local school districts and public charter schools serving kindergarten through fifth grade minimize unnecessary screen time while maintaining effective instruction. Another law, the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act, allows educators to teach about Christianity's historical influence on American history. Additionally, new online safety lessons will be introduced for middle and high school students, focusing on responsible social media use and recognizing misinformation. The legislation also includes human trafficking awareness education and allows schools to stock emergency epinephrine for life-threatening allergic reactions. Furthermore, penalties for threats against schools have been increased, classi...