Alabama § 16-40-13 - Students Required to Complete a Social Media Safety Course Prior to Entering the Eighth Grade.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 16-40-13 — Students Required to Complete a Social Media Safety Course Prior to Entering the Eighth Grade., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-40-13. Students Required to Complete a Social Media Safety Course Prior to Entering the Eighth Grade.
(a) No later than July 1, 2025, the State Department of Education shall develop and approve an asynchronous, digitally delivered course that addresses the risks of using social media and how to use social media safely.
(b) At a minimum, the course shall include the following topics:
(1) The benefits of safely using age-appropriate social media platforms, including career and resume building for future academic or employment opportunities; sharing information with family and friends; and safely connecting with other users with similar interests.
(2) The risks of social media use, including its negative effects on mental health including addiction; the distribution of misinformation on social media; how social media manipulates behavior; and the permanency of sharing materials online.
(3) Safe practices for using social media including how to report suspicious behavior; how to identify cyberbullying, phishing and scam communications, predatory behavior, and human trafficking; and maintaining personal security and preventing oversharing of personal information.
(c) The State Department of Education shall make the course available online and each local board of education shall reasonably notify parents of its availability. Each local board of education shall deliver the course to all students prior to entering the eighth grade and shall make the course available to students in grades eight through 12 who transfer to the school district or who otherwise have not completed the course.
(d) The State Board of Education may adopt rules to implement this section.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 16-40-13
What does Code of Alabama § 16-40-13 cover?
Section 16-40-13 ("Students Required to Complete a Social Media Safety Course Prior to Entering the Eighth Grade.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 16-40-13?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 16-40-13" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 16-40-13 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.