Connecticut has a new law to ensure students are learning media literacy and digital citizenship through studying social media, thanks to the advocacy of Media Literacy Now partner Qur-An Webb and his colleagues at Welcome 2 Reality LLC.

“We at Welcome 2 Reality are very proud of Bill 962 passing,” said Mr. Webb, a founder. “As a company working in the areas of media literacy/social media we know the importance of this as we see the effects of poor choices in social media use among young people every day.”

(Photo: Welcome 2 Reality founders Marcus Stallworth, Qur-An Webb, Anthony Gay, Donte L. Rabb, Carlton White Sr. advocated for the bill.)

Senate Public Act 15-94 requires education on safe social media use in public schools. It also requires computer programming instruction.  The law was signed by the governor on June 23, 2015 and takes effect in the upcoming 2016-2017 school year.

The joint Education Committee relied on a proposed media literacy bill presented by Sen. Terry Gerratano last year as a result of Mr. Webb’s advocacy.

“Though some schools have already incorporated media literacy, knowing that all schools now should be doing this is very good news,” said Mr. Webb. “It will be beneficial to all. We are genuinely proud and excited about the direction Connecticut is heading.”

Welcome 2 Reality, LLC is a group of social workers committed to “raising awareness of media literacy by educating and empowering individuals how to use critical thinking skills to see these mediums for what they truly are.” Welcome 2 Reality provides a range of training and is seeking to help Connecticut cities and towns with implementation.