Governor Kathy Hochul has declared February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in New York, emphasizing the state’s initiatives to protect youth from digital dangers and prevent teen dating violence. Sixteen state landmarks are being illuminated in orange on February 1 to mark the occasion.
The Governor highlighted the impact of digital spaces on teen relationships and well-being. Under her leadership, New York has introduced measures aimed at online safety, mental health support for young people, and preventing technology-driven gender-based violence.
“Every New Yorker deserves to build healthy and supportive relationships online and offline while feeling safe and protected,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why we’re advancing common-sense initiatives that will implement safeguards to protect our teens from digital dangers and we will continue to ensure they have all the tools they need to safely navigate online platforms.”
In 2025, Governor Hochul signed legislation requiring social media platforms with features like infinite scroll or algorithm-driven feeds to display warning labels. The state also enacted restrictions on cellphone use in schools during class time and set up protections for AI companion systems, especially targeting youth safety. As part of her 2026 State of the State agenda, Hochul proposed further actions to shield children from online threats including predators, scams, and harmful AI chatbots.
The Safeguard Teens from Online Sexual Exploitation Initiative directed the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) to create training materials on technology-related abuse and launch a public awareness campaign about digital safety.
To observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, OPDV is offering a Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence 101 training for teens and parents. This program aims to help participants recognize and respond to technology-related abuse such as sextortion. OPDV also created “What the Flag?!?”, a display highlighting real-life indicators of healthy or unhealthy relationships collected from New Yorkers via social media.
In March 2025, OPDV launched “Power Down Speak Up,” a statewide campaign urging young people to protect themselves online. The initiative provides guidance not only for youth but also parents, educators, and law enforcement professionals. In 2026, this effort continues with an expanded focus on building healthy relationships and preventing technology-enabled abuse through informed decision-making online.
New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens stated: “Teens are growing up in a truly digital age where online experiences shape their friendships, relationships, and impact their mental health. Every time they log on, they can be one click away from content that promotes harm or exploitation. I thank Governor Hochul for her bold commitment to innovative solutions that not only increase safety online but also promote healthy relationships and prevent dating and gender-based violence before it starts.”
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said: “Exposure to intimate relationship violence can have serious and long-lasting impacts on health, particularly for teenagers who may be more vulnerable to technology-based abuse. Teen dating violence can lead to poor mental health outcomes and an increased risk for chronic illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, and weakened immunity. I thank Governor Hochul and the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence for shining a light on this issue and for advancing commonsense statewide policies that protect young New Yorkers.”
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado commented: “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is a reminder that every young New Yorker deserves safe, healthy relationships, online and offline. DCJS is proud to support OPDV in raising awareness and helping connect New Yorkers to the resources they need to lead healthy lives.”
New York State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson added: “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent teen dating violence and support survivors. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to help the public recognize the warning signs of abuse, start important conversations, and make sure young people know they are not alone, and that help is available.”
Landmarks lit in recognition include One World Trade Center; Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge; Kosciuszko Bridge; H. Carl McCall SUNY Building; State Education Building; Alfred E. Smith State Office Building; Empire State Plaza; State Fairgrounds Main Gate & Expo Center; Niagara Falls; Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge; Grand Central Terminal Pershing Square Viaduct; Albany International Airport Gateway; MTA LIRR East End Gateway at Penn Station; Fairport Lift Bridge over Erie Canal; Moynihan Train Hall; Roosevelt Island Lighthouse.
The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence remains unique as a Cabinet-level executive agency dedicated solely to gender-based violence issues in the United States. The state’s Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline offers around-the-clock assistance by phone (800-942-6906), text (844-997-2121), or chat (@opdv.ny.gov).