# Education (GED)

## Title 7. Public Schools

### Subtitle 9B

#### Section 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 Sec. 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Educ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)