IC 20-30-6.1-4: Instruction on Internet safety

Sec. 4. (a) As used in this section, "online challenge" means an Internet trend that encourages individuals to copy behaviors or actions that may cause harm to the individual.

(b) Each school corporation may:

(1) include instruction regarding Internet safety in the school corporation's curriculum; and

(2) offer instruction or programs regarding the potential risks and consequences of creating and sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials through cellular telephones, social networking websites, computer networks, and other digital media.

(c) Not later than July 1, 2025, the department shall approve previously developed curricula for use by school corporations under subsection (b).

(d) Each curriculum approved under subsection (c) must include age appropriate instruction regarding the following:

(1) Thinking critically about the possible provenance, reliability, and intended effect of online information before acting on the information.

(2) Acting ethically in the student's interactions with others online, and reacting appropriately to unethical behavior such as:

(A) cyberbullying (as described in IC 20-19-3-11.5); and

(B) promotion of dangerous behavior, including self-harm or participation in an online challenge;

that is directed at the student by others online.

(3) Considering the uncertainties inherent in interacting with others online, particularly with regard to the ability of an individual to misrepresent the individual's identity online.

(4) Recognizing the economics of providing Internet content and social media services, including:

(A) the economic relationship between:

(i) users; and

(ii) providers;

of Internet content and social media services;

(B) the economic incentives of a provider to influence the behavior of a user when the user is interacting with the provider's content or services; and

(C) methods used by providers to influence user behavior.

(5) Practicing cybersecurity, including recognizing:

(A) the danger of:

(i) identity theft; and

(ii) financial fraud;

when interacting with others online, accessing Internet content, or using social media services; and

(B) the potential for information shared online to remain accessible to others in perpetuity.