DeLaney amendment to increase teen computer safety struck down
Today, Jan. 30, State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment to House Bill 1243 that would improve the proposal to add computer science as a graduation requirement in high school. DeLaney proposed adding emphasis on internet safety.
Specific topics in his proposal include teaching students about:
- Digital literacy
- Cyber bullying
- Impact of technology on mental health
- Technology addiction
- Digital discrimination
- Harassment and hate speech
- Data privacy
- Predatory behavior.
The amendment was defeated 28-63 along party lines.
“It is of utmost importance in this day and age that students not only learn how to use computers but are educated on how to safely use the internet,” DeLaney said. “This amendment includes a broad list of what our teenagers need to be educated on. We must address the issues that parents and teenagers are most concerned about.
“From cyber bullying and mental health issues caused by technology to recognizing internet predators, our children need to be aware of the full impact of computing. I cannot understand why the supermajority would not want to include these basic competencies in our children’s education.”