§ 7-9B-02

(a) (1) Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, the National Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, in consultation with the Department, shall develop and publish a youth–centric technology and social media resource guide that meets the requirements under § 7–9B–03 of this subtitle.

(2) The guide shall cover commonly used youth–centric technology for:

(i) Personal use by children; and

(ii) Delivering education to children.

(3) The Center shall complete the guide before the 2027–2028 school year.

(4) The Center shall periodically update the guide.

(b) The purpose of the guide is to provide:

(1) Age–appropriate information and best practices for youth–centric technology that:

(i) Encourages students and parents and guardians to understand how youth–centric technology and social media can be used and misused by developers and users; and

(ii) Promotes informed decision making when using youth–centric technology; and

(2) Information and guidance on the safe use of youth–centric technology, including the Internet and social media by students in prekindergarten through grade 12.

(c) (1) On or before September 1, 2026, the Center shall complete a needs assessment to assist in the development of the guide.

(2) The needs assessment shall include a review of:

(i) Existing State and federal resources for contribution to the development of the guide;

(ii) Existing efforts to educate families on the impact of youth–centric technology and social media on the mental health of youth in the State; and

(iii) Gaps in the existing resources and education efforts.