Good morning, Chair and members of the committee, My name is Sammy Howard, and I am the First Congressional District Chair of High School Republicans and a student at Mechanicsville High School in Hanover, Virginia. I’m here to voice my support for HB2460. The age of social media is here to stay—whether we keep it out of schools, daycares, or even ban specific apps, it’s already a pervasive part of our lives. With this new digital era comes great potential but also significant challenges, one of the most pressing being the spread of misinformation. While some platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter use fact-checking tools, these tools are often inconsistent, ineffective, or biased, particularly on politically sensitive topics. As young people increasingly turn to social media as their primary source of information, it’s crucial to equip them with the skills to critically evaluate what they see and verify their sources. HB2460 addresses this issue head-on by introducing media literacy and digital citizenship education in Virginia schools. This isn’t just a hypothetical concern—18 other states have already implemented similar laws, recognizing the urgency of the problem. This bill is especially meaningful because it’s been brought forward by high school students like me—students who understand firsthand how misinformation impacts our generation. We’ve carried the weight of this issue, and today we ask that you consider the long-term impact this bill could have on our education system and our democracy. I urge you to support HB2460. Let’s give students the tools they need to navigate the digital world responsibly and critically. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Good morning, Chair and members of the committee, My name is Sid Butna, and I am a senior at Patriot High School. I’m here to support HB2460, a bill I've worked on to address the growing issue of misinformation in the digital age. As a student, I’ve seen firsthand how misinformation spreads quickly and influences opinions, often shaping discussions before anyone has a chance to verify the facts. Social media platforms provide limited tools to combat this, but they are often too slow or ineffective. HB2460 offers a proactive solution by integrating media literacy and digital citizenship into our education system. This will equip students with the critical thinking skills needed to analyze information, identify credible sources, and make informed decisions. I’ve seen the difference these skills can make, and I believe this bill is a necessary step to prepare my generation for the challenges of a complex, digital world. I urge you to support HB2460. Thank you for your time.