News Summary
Starting July 1, 2025, Tennessee will introduce new education laws that restrict social media use in schools, mandate physical activity for elementary students, and allow Bible courses. These laws aim to enhance student safety and well-being while addressing the growing need for technology management in classrooms. Additionally, the legislation provides support for child advocacy centers and extends assistance for young adults in foster care. As schools prepare for these changes, they will significantly impact both academic environments and student lifestyles.
Nashville, TN – Beginning July 1, 2025, several new education laws will take effect across Tennessee, significantly impacting how schools operate and how students engage with technology and physical activities. These laws are designed to address issues related to social media use, physical health, and overall student welfare.
A pivotal law will prohibit students from accessing social media through school-provided internet, effective for the 2025-2026 school year. This measure aims to minimize distractions and enhance learning environments. Alongside this restriction, the Tennessee Department of Education will develop a comprehensive curriculum focusing on social media and internet safety for students in grades six through twelve. This curriculum will cover essential topics such as healthy online behaviors, time management concerning social media, its mental health impacts, and the identification of misinformation. Importantly, parents will have the option to opt their children out of this instruction without any penalties for students who choose alternative lessons.
In tandem with the social media regulations, public school districts and charter schools must create policies to limit the use of wireless communication devices like phones and tablets in classrooms. Teachers will have the authority to confiscate these devices if they are deemed distracting during class time.
Another significant change will require elementary school students to participate in a minimum of 40 minutes of physical activity each day, apart from their standard physical education classes. This move is aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among younger students and combating the trend of sedentary behavior.
The new legislation also opens the door for local educational agencies and charter schools to offer Bible courses, provided they adhere to established constitutional guidelines. This decision reflects a shift toward accommodating diverse educational preferences within the state’s public school framework.
In addition to these educational changes, a new requirement mandates cognitive behavioral training for individuals convicted of certain misdemeanors, ensuring they demonstrate proof of completion as part of their rehabilitation.
To support child victims of abuse and neglect, child advocacy centers across the state will receive over $4 million annually under the new “Savannah Grace Copeland Act.” This funding aims to enhance resources and support services for vulnerable children in Tennessee.
Furthermore, the legislation allows school districts to implement hybrid learning days during emergencies or extreme weather conditions, utilizing up to four of the required 180 instructional days for this purpose. This flexibility represents a proactive response to the growing need for adaptable learning strategies in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
Effective July 1, 2025, all public school buildings and charter schools are required to meet new security standards. These standards include the installation of clear window film or security glazing designed to deter unauthorized entry, ensuring the safety of students and faculty alike.
Lastly, new laws extend support services for young adults in foster care, allowing assistance until the age of 23. This initiative is intended to aid individuals transitioning out of state custody as they navigate adulthood.
These new laws reflect Tennessee’s commitment to enhancing educational experiences while prioritizing student safety and well-being. As the implementation date approaches, schools will need to prepare for these changes and their implications on both academic and social environments.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Tennessee Laws in Effect Starting July 1, 2025
- Wikipedia: Education in Tennessee
- WSMV: TN School Districts Rules on Cell Phones
- Google Search: Tennessee laws 2025
- NewsChannel 5: Several New Tennessee Laws
- Google Scholar: Tennessee education policy
- Tennessee Lookout: Tennessee House Passes Immigration Bill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee laws
- Fox 13 Memphis: Multiple New State Laws to Take Effect
- Google News: Tennessee education laws
Author: HERE Nashville
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