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Virginia lawmakers are advancing a bill aimed at strengthening digital safety education in schools, addressing growing concerns about artificial intelligence, online scams, and misinformation that children increasingly face in their online lives.
House Bill 171, introduced by Democratic Delegate Alex Askew of Virginia Beach, would expand Virginia’s school internet safety curriculum to explicitly cover modern digital threats. The legislation passed the House of Delegates with bipartisan support on January 27 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
“The current rules cover basics, but our children encounter new dangers, like addictive algorithms, cyber bullying, AI generated harms,” Askew explained during a January House Education Committee hearing. The bill specifically targets dangers posed by addictive social media feeds, privacy settings, data sharing practices, and mechanisms for reporting online harassment.
The legislation comes at a critical juncture as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in young people’s daily lives. According to recent Pew Research Center data, a majority of teens ages 13 to 17 now use AI chatbots, with approximately 30 percent reporting daily usage.
Health researchers have noted the limited evidence regarding AI’s effects on adolescent well-being. A November 2025 study published in JAMA Pediatrics examined both potential benefits and harms of generative AI for teens. Researchers identified possible advantages such as enhanced educational experiences and reduced feelings of isolation, but also highlighted risks including exposure to inaccurate health information, diminished authentic human connection, and the potential reinforcement of harmful behaviors.
Legal challenges have further highlighted concerns about AI’s impact on youth. Several families recently filed lawsuits against technology companies Google and Character.AI, alleging their chatbot technologies contributed to mental health issues among teenagers and lacked sufficient protections for minors. Both companies reached settlement agreements in January, underscoring the growing recognition of potential risks.
Educational and parent advocacy groups have voiced strong support for Virginia’s proposed legislation. Lauren Klute, president-elect of the Virginia Parent Teacher Association, testified that the bill addresses a crucial need: “I know it’s hard to stay ahead of kids, but I think it’s important that we try. I think parents could also benefit from this.”
Meg Gruber, representing the Virginia Education Association, emphasized how the educational benefits could extend beyond classrooms and into homes. “As children learn this, they’re going to teach their families. They’re going to teach their elders,” Gruber noted during her testimony. “And it’s critical, because we all know the problem with scams: AI right now is just blowing up things, you can’t tell if a photo is real or not.”
The legislation reflects a growing awareness among policymakers about the rapidly evolving digital landscape confronting today’s youth. By specifically mentioning artificial intelligence in school curriculum requirements, Virginia would acknowledge AI’s expanding role and potential risks in students’ lives.
If passed into law, Virginia would join a growing number of states updating educational standards to address digital literacy in the age of artificial intelligence and sophisticated online threats. Educational experts suggest such curriculum updates are essential as the gap widens between rapidly advancing technology and traditional educational approaches.
The bill’s progress through the legislature comes amid broader national discussions about protecting children online, with federal lawmakers also considering various proposals to enhance digital safety education and platform accountability.
The Senate is expected to review the legislation in the coming weeks, with supporters hoping for continued bipartisan backing to move the measure to the governor’s desk before the end of the current legislative session.
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9 Comments
I’m curious to see the specific details of how this AI, scams, and misinformation curriculum will be implemented. The challenge will be making it engaging and relevant for students of all ages.
Good point. The content and delivery method will be key to ensuring the lessons stick. Interactive workshops and real-world examples could help bring these complex topics to life.
This is a positive step, but I wonder if the scope could be expanded even further to cover cryptocurrency, NFTs, and other emerging tech topics that students are likely to encounter.
That’s an interesting idea. Staying ahead of the curve on new digital risks and innovations will be crucial as the online world continues to evolve rapidly.
Kudos to Virginia for taking the lead on this. With AI chatbots, social media algorithms, and online deception becoming so widespread, this type of curriculum is sorely needed. Teaching students to think critically about what they see online is vital.
Absolutely. The earlier we can start building that digital discernment, the better equipped young people will be to navigate the modern online landscape.
Glad to see bipartisan support for this bill. Digital literacy education shouldn’t be a partisan issue – it’s a critical life skill that all students need regardless of background or beliefs.
This is an important bill to help educate students on the risks of AI, scams, and misinformation. Given how prevalent these issues are online, equipping young people with the knowledge to navigate them safely is crucial.
I agree, digital literacy skills are critical these days. Glad to see lawmakers taking this threat seriously and working to address it proactively in schools.