(1) As used in this section: (a) "Digital skills activities" include activities related to the topics listed in Subsection (1)(b). (b) "Digital skills concepts" include concepts related to the following topics: (i) digital protection and online ethics as foundational principles for participation in digital society; (ii) social media awareness and healthy usage patterns, including short-form video platforms and understanding the impact of social media on mental health, relationships, and civic discourse; (iii) artificial intelligence literacy, including understanding artificial intelligence capabilities, limitations, ethical considerations, and societal implications; (iv) digital privacy and data protection rights and responsibilities; (v) cybersecurity fundamentals and safe online practices for personal and civic security; (vi) identifying and evaluating digital information credibility, misinformation, and media manipulation across digital and traditional media formats; (vii) digital footprint awareness and reputation management in personal and professional contexts; (viii) online communication skills, digital etiquette, and constructive digital discourse; (ix) understanding algorithms and the algorithms' influence on digital experiences and information access; (x) screen time management for physical and mental health, including understanding the symptoms of problematic or addictive media use; (xi) cyberbullying prevention, response, and the promotion of positive digital communities; (xii) intellectual property rights, fair use, and creative commons in digital environments; (xiii) critical thinking in digital environments and information evaluation; (xiv) digital content creation and responsible sharing practices; (xv) traditional and digital media literacy, including critical evaluation of television, film, music, streaming content, and short-form video platforms; and (xvi) economic and career implications of digital literacy in a technology-driven society. (c) "Digital skills course" means a course offered in grade 7 or 8 that incorporates digital skills concepts. (2) Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, the state board shall have established standards for a digital skills course that an LEA offers in grade 7 or 8. (3) (a) The state superintendent may establish an advisory tech council to provide guidance and recommendations on technology education in the state's public education system. (b) The advisory tech council established under Subsection (3)(a) shall include membership the state superintendent selects. (c) The advisory tech council may: (i) review and recommend standards and objectives for the digital skills course and other technology related education; (ii) identify effective digital skills curriculum and instructional resources; (iii) recommend professional development opportunities for educators teaching digital skills; (iv) advise on emerging technologies and trends that should be incorporated into digital skills education; (v) coordinate with interested public, private, and nonprofit entities to improve digital skills education; and (vi) make recommendations to the state board on methods to assess student proficiency in digital skills.
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