Press

Illinois K-12 schools are updating their bullying prevention policies as a new state law, effective July 1, 2026, expands the definition of cyberbullying to include A.I.-generated deepfakes. While the law gives districts clearer language for policies and family conversations, educators are still working out how to respond to evolving A.I. challenges impacting student learning and well-being. Laura Tierney, founder and CEO of The Social Institute, weighs in on why legislation must be paired with education that coaches students toward positive choices. Read now on capitolnewsillinois.com >>

Wake County school officials in North Carolina continue to work on a draft policy that would govern A.I. usage across the district. While the policy would be set up to support students, the district is also considering how to incorporate support for teachers and families, too. Laura Tierney, founder and CEO of The Social Institute, weighs in on what A.I. Literacy that supports the entire community looks like. Watch now on acb11.com >>

As summer begins, many students trade school routines for increased screen time, late-night scrolling, and excessive social media use, habits that can follow them straight back into the classroom in the fall. In response, Laura Tierney, Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, wrote for District Administration about how schools can help families prevent the “summer tech slide” with proactive, realistic strategies around social media, A.I., and screen time. Read now on DistrictAdministration.com >>

The Social Institute is proud to announce that Founder and CEO Laura Tierney has been named to Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500, an annual list honoring the most dynamic women business leaders in the United States. The honor recognizes founders whose bold ideas, resilience, and execution are shaping the future of their industries. Read more here.

PBS News shares an AP Report about the rise of deepfake cyberbullying and how it poses a growing problem for schools. In the article, Laura Tierney, founder and CEO of The Social Institute, shares the SHIELD Method, a strategy educators can equip their students with to know what to do when they encounter deepfake, A.I.-generated, and explicit content. Read now on PBS News >>