Why It Matters
Massachusetts is directing state funds toward classroom instruction on digital safety as legislative efforts to restrict social media access for minors remain stalled.
What Happened
Governor Maura Healey announced $1.75 million in funding Wednesday at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School to support the Safe, Healthy and Responsible Digital Life Grant program. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will administer the grants, which provide resources for age-appropriate instruction, educator training, and family support materials.
The initiative comes as broader regulatory measures face delays in the state legislature. While the House passed a bill in April banning social media use for children under 14 and requiring parental consent for ages 14 to 15, and the Senate passed separate legislation in July regarding default settings for minors, those bills are currently stalled in closed-door negotiations.
Education Secretary Steve Zrike emphasized the need for collaboration between schools and families. “Our kids are growing up in a world that looks very different from the one we experienced, and schools and families need to work together to help students make healthy choices,” Zrike said.
By the Numbers
$1.75 million — Total funding allocated for school digital safety grants
$60,000 — Maximum award amount per grant recipient
25 to 30 — Estimated number of grants available to applicants
$2 million — Fiscal 2027 budget item designated for online safety and education
$250,000 — Additional funds set aside for reviewing instructional materials and developing educational videos
$17.1 billion — Amount of the August settlement with Meta regarding harm to young people
Zoom Out
The grant program operates against a backdrop of significant legal and financial developments in the tech sector. In August, Meta agreed to a $17.1 billion settlement resolving claims related to harm caused to young users. Governor Healey previously proposed language in April that would require platforms to deactivate addictive features and limit usage for individuals under 18.
The grants aim to equip students with skills to recognize false or misleading information, including AI-generated content, protect personal data, understand cyberbullying risks, and make responsible online decisions. Public school districts, charter public schools, and educational collaboratives are eligible to apply.
What’s Next
Schools across the state can now submit applications for the available grants. Governor Healey told reporters that the initiative is designed to keep pace with rapid technological changes. “This is about setting kids up for success. It’s a fast-paced world. Technology is evolving quickly, and we have to evolve with it,” Healey said.