SB466- Safety While Accessing Techology (SWAT) was signed into law by Governor Jim Justice on March 20, 2024.

It was a pleasure to join the governor for this important occasion. The purpose of the bill is to require the WV State Board of Education to develop an age-appropriate education program designed to teach 3rd to 12th graders safety measures when they access and utilize technology. This bill could present a slippery slope if not handled properly by school personnel, because it could inadvertently inform students of inappropriate websites and apps. With that in mind, it is still an important topic to address.

Parents should make themselves familiar with the instruction which will take place at least annually. Parents will be given the opportunity to review the materials and opt their child out of the classroom instruction time. If they find anything offensive in the materials, parents may teach the unoffensive portions to their child at home.

I co-sponsored the bill because of the necessity to warn students of the lasting effects of harm that is possible online. Unfortunately, many parents are ignorant of the potential pitfalls too. The resources which will be made available for counties also may be accessed by parents. If we ignore the dangers lurking on the internet, our children and grandchildren may find themselves in peril and experience irreparable damage to their person or reputation. Parents and students should become familiar with what is legal and what is not legal when it comes to internet protocols. Ignorance of unlawful activities on the internet can become very costly.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities have magnified the importance of teaching safety first when it comes to accessing technology. It is the responsibility of mature adults to warn children of the possibility of unintended consequences wisely and cautiously when on the internet. Like it or not, our children are at risk. Statistics show that many teen suicides occur every year because of unsafe internet interaction. This bill could save the lives of innocent and curious children who are at risk but do not know it.