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Massachusetts schools can seek up to $60,000 for student online-safety programs
Gov. Maura Healey has set aside $1.75 million for schools to teach students about social media safety, cyberbullying and media literacy. Applications for the grants are due Nov. 9.
Massachusetts schools can apply for grants of up to $60,000 to help students navigate social media and other online content, under a $1.75 million state funding program announced Wednesday by Gov. Maura Healey.
The grants will support lessons and programs on online safety, cyberbullying, protecting personal information, identifying misinformation and making healthy choices about social media. The funding was announced during a roundtable with students and educators at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School.
The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education expects to award 25 to 30 grants. Schools must use the funding for programs during the 2026-27 school year, and applications are due Nov. 9.
Healey said social media affects young people’s mental health, well-being and ability to succeed in school. She described the funding as part of a broader effort to strengthen protections for children and help schools keep students safe online.
Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez said the grants are intended to help students become informed and responsible users of online content. The programs can also improve students’ media literacy, understanding of artificial intelligence and ability to protect their personal information, he said.
The investment follows other state action on youth and online safety. Healey has filed legislation that would require social media companies to adopt stronger protections for children. She also signed legislation banning revenge pornography and AI-generated deepfakes.