Address internet safety in school

 

This proposal seeks to create a non-optional elective which will give a mandatory credit CTE to obtain a highschool

diploma.

 

With all of the advancements in technology, internet safety is one of the most important issues in Minnesota. Since

2016, Minnesota has seen a 700% increase in tips reporting criminals victimizing children online. Many of these

interactions are attempts to try to blackmail and extort children into giving sexual content. This lack of internet

awareness needs to be addressed in any way possible. In America, Minnesota ranks 39th in cybercrime victims per hundred

thousand, but ranks eighth in loss per victim. The amount of victims will only continue to rise, unless we learn to

recognize this behaviour. With this bill passed, there will be a mandatory class for all highschool students, focusing

on internet safety and how to identify misinformation.

 

CTE: Career and Technical Education credits

Cybercrime: Crimes carried out online or on a computer.

Loss per victim: Monetary loss per victim.

 

 

Funding for this bill will come from a 1-2% increase in taxes on those making over half a million a year

 

If you don’t get the credit, you can’t graduate. This will be enforced by the school.

 

This class will take effect in September 2026, depending on when the school year ends. This will give time for schools

to find someone to teach said class and fit it into their schedule.