1. (a)

   1. (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 § 7-9B-03 of this subtitle.

   2. (2) The guide shall cover commonly used youth-centric technology for:

      1. (i) Personal use by children; and
      2. (ii) Delivering education to children.
   3. (3) The Center shall complete the guide before the 2027-2028 school year.
   4. (4) The Center shall periodically update the guide.

2. (b) The purpose of the guide is to provide:

   1. (1) Age-appropriate information and best practices for youth-centric technology that:

      1. (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
      2. (ii) Promotes informed decision making when using youth-centric technology; and
   2. (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.

3. (c)

   1. (1) On or before September 1, 2026, the Center shall complete a needs assessment to assist in the development of the guide.

   2. (2) The needs assessment shall include a review of:

      1. (i) Existing State and federal resources for contribution to the development of the guide;
      2. (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
      3. (iii) Gaps in the existing resources and education efforts.

Added by Acts 2025, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 8, § 1, eff. Jan. 15, 2026.