MA S462

Requires the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to integrate media literacy skills into all health and core curricular content for grades K-12, effective January 1, 2026

Mandates development of K-12 curriculum guidelines in consultation with the Department of Public Health, technology researchers, and technology ethicists

Curriculum must teach students to critically analyze media content, evaluate credibility and accuracy of information sources, and recognize limitations of social media as a news source

Skills covered include protecting oneself from harmful online content (such as material promoting self-harm, eating disorders, or illegal drugs), safe use of technology, and understanding how media affects emotions and behaviors

Department must provide an online site listing approved media literacy curricula that meet the established guidelines