(a) (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) The guide shall cover commonly used youth-centric technology for:
(i) Personal use by children; and
(ii) Delivering education to children.
(3) The Center shall complete the guide before the 2027-2028 school year.
(4) The Center shall periodically update the guide.
(b) The purpose of the guide is to provide:
(1) Age-appropriate information and best practices for youth-centric technology that:
(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
(ii) Promotes informed decision making when using youth- centric technology; and
(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.
(c) (1) On or before September 1, 2026, the Center shall complete a needs assessment to assist in the development of the guide.
(2) The needs assessment shall include a review of:
(i) Existing State and federal resources for contribution to the development of the guide;
(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
(iii) Gaps in the existing resources and education efforts.