New Utah state law that went into effect July 1, 2026, requires the state board to incorporate artificial intelligence and social media literacy into the core computer science standards for public schools. The updated Utah Code Section 53E-4-202 mandates that students receive instruction on the ethical use of AI and the impact of digital environments on mental health.
New Artificial Intelligence Mandates
According to Utah Code Section 5->E-4-202, the state board is now tasked with developing computer science standards that address a wide range of digital responsibilities. These standards must include instruction on artificial intelligence generally, as well as the appropriate use of AI as a tool for students.
The legislation specifically directs the board to implement objectives regarding digital skills and social media literacy. This includes teaching age-appropriate strategies for healthy social media usage and helping students recognize how these platforms can impact both mental health and civic discourse.
Digital Literacy and Privacy Standards
The updated code requires the state board to address several critical aspects of modern technology within the computer science curriculum. These include instruction on digital responsibility, privacy, and security, as well as the management of screen time and its associated mental health considerations in digital environments.
Furthermore, the standards must prepare students for the critical evaluation of digital information sources. The law emphasizes the necessity of media literacy skills to ensure students can practice informed digital responsibility. This includes understanding the role that artificial intelligence plays in information filtering and decision-making processes.
Role of Local School Boards
While the state board is establishing these core standards, it must do so in consultation with various stakeholders, including local school boards, superintendents, teachers, employers, and parents. The law specifies that while the state board can recommend specific curricula or instructional materials, it may not require a local school board or charter school governing board to use any particular model or material.
The state board is also required to identify basic knowledge, skills, and competencies that students are expected to master as they progress through the public education system. These standards must increase in depth and complexity each year, focusing on consistent progress across grade levels.
Public Notice and Hearing Requirements
The implementation of these standards is subject to strict transparency requirements. Before adopting any core standards for Utah public schools, the state board must publicize draft versions as a class A notice for at least 90 days. During this period, the board is required to invite public comment for no less than 90 days.
To ensure statewide engagement, the law mandates that the state board conduct three separate public hearings on the draft standards. These hearings must be held in different regions of the state to allow for broader community participation in the educational decision-making process.
Future Curriculum and State Oversight
The legislative updates also touch upon the future of social studies instruction, noting that beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, standards will include history and government as described in Section 53G-10-302. In the interim, the focus remains on core academic areas including English—with explicit emphasis on phonics, grammar, and reading—and mathematics.
The state also maintains the authority to exit any agreements or contracts with external entities, such as federal agencies or consortiums, if those agreements are found to be inconsistent with community values, conflict with Utah law, or require student data to be included in national or multi-state databases.
Professional Impact of AI Skills
As technology continues to reshape professional landscapes, the intersection of education and AI is becoming a focal point for both students and professionals. For example, Sydney Jezik, a senior at Brigham BYU studying political science and Arabic, has expressed goals to leverage an understanding of political psychology and AI skills to improve the field of journalism.
The state board is now required to submit regular reports regarding the development and implementation of these core standards, which must include timelines established by a standards advisory committee.
