Technology (Social Media)

By Representative Kushmerek of Fitchburg, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael P. Kushmerek for legislation to further regulate social media accounts for persons under 16 years of age. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

By Representative Kushmerek of Fitchburg, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael P. Kushmerek for legislation to further regulate social media accounts for persons under 16 years of age. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 461) of John C. Velis, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, James C. Arena-DeRosa, Paul R. Feeney and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit access to personal electronic devices and social media in public schools. Education.

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 461) of John C. Velis, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, James C. Arena-DeRosa, Paul R. Feeney and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit access to personal electronic devices and social media in public schools. Education.

Senate, July 10, 2025 -- The committee on Education, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 323) of Brendan P. Crighton and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to prohibit the use to personal electronic devices in schools; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 333) of John J. Cronin and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to prohibiting the use of wireless communication devices in K-12 public schools by students; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 335) of Julian Cyr, Andrea Joy Campbell, Attorney General , Nick Collins and Barry R. Finegold for legislation to promote safe technology use and distraction-free education for youth; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 381) of John F. Keenan, Mark C. Montigny and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. for legislation to limit cell phones in classrooms; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 424) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Mark C. Montigny for legislation to regulate the use of mobile communication devices in educational institutions; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 461) of John C. Velis, Carmine Lawrence Gentile, James C. Arena-DeRosa, Paul R. Feeney and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit access to personal electronic devices and social media in public schools; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 463) of Kirstin Beatty, for legislation to regulate screen time and technology privacy in early and K-12 education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2549).

By Representative MacGregor of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of William F. MacGregor for legislation to regulate social media feeds. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

This bill imposes a 6.25% sales tax on digital advertising services targeting users in Massachusetts, collected by vendors at the time of sale. It directly affects digital advertisers (vendors) selling to Massachusetts-based audiences, with small vendors earning under $2.5 million annually in such sales exempt. Revenue funds three equal programs: local community TV access (via Dept. of Telecommunications), public health campaigns on safe social media use (via DPH), and AI tools for education (via DESE), after covering 5% in administrative costs. The tax takes effect January 1, 2027, with grants beginning in 2028.

This bill requires all public schools to create and implement two specific policies. First, schools must establish a device policy prohibiting student access to personal electronic devices (like phones or tablets) during the school day, except for special education plans, emergencies, or administrator approval. Second, schools must develop a social media education policy teaching students about the risks of social media use, including emotional and physical impacts. Schools must notify parents about both policies and file them with the state education department, which will provide public guidance to help schools create effective policies. The bill directly affects public school students, parents, and school districts across the state.