Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a series of legislative proposals aimed at improving online safety for children and addressing the youth mental health crisis in New York. These measures, part of her State of the State agenda, focus on protecting children from online threats such as predators, scammers, and harmful artificial intelligence chatbots.
The proposed legislation includes expanding age verification requirements for online platforms, particularly gaming sites. Platforms would be required to set privacy settings for minors at the highest level by default, restricting messaging and location sharing unless approved by parents. AI chatbot features on social media platforms would be disabled for children, and parents would have more control over their children’s financial transactions on these platforms. The legislative package builds upon existing bills sponsored by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Nily Rozic.
Governor Hochul stated, “As New York’s first mom Governor, the well-being and safety of our children has always been one of my top priorities, and today we are continuing to break new ground to give our kids the tools and safeguards they need to contend with the unprecedented mental health challenges and real world dangers that can sometimes be a byproduct of navigating today’s digital world. These proposals will create a nation-leading standard that will ensure our kids’ safety in online and real world environments where they spend time.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed support for these efforts: “Online platforms like Roblox are enabling unsafe environments for children, including allowing predators to send explicit messages to children. We urgently need to pass crucial online safety protections to stop predators from exploiting children and create safer online environments for children to play. I am proud to continue working with Governor Hochul, Senator Gounardes, and Assemblymember Rozic to push for nation-leading legislation that will protect children and families online.”
Senator Andrew Gounardes commented on the importance of regulating digital spaces similarly to other products used by children: “It’s a grim reality of the modern internet: the online platforms where our kids spend so much time are failing to protect them from predators. From toys to food to cars, we regulate all sorts of products to keep children safe. There’s no reason platforms like Roblox should be different. This proposal sends a clear message that New York will always prioritize our kids’ safety over Big Tech’s profits. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for her partnership on this important proposal.”
Assemblymember Nily Rozic added: “Protecting kids online means more than limiting harm. It means empowering them with knowledge, skills, and resources. This legislation responds directly to the concerns parents like me have raised about harmful and addictive online design, and it gives us the tools to hold companies accountable. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for listening to parents across our state and taking decisive action to protect our kids’ mental health and well-being.”
Leaders from advocacy groups also voiced their approval of Governor Hochul’s initiatives:
James P. Steyer, Founder & CEO of Common Sense Media said,“Common Sense Media applauds Governor Hochul’s inclusion of these important new children’s online safety protections in her State of the State proposal and we thank Senator Gounardes and Assemblymember Rozic for their leadership on this issue. The online games kids play and the social media platforms they use for hours and hours a day have become veritable hunting grounds for predators. Kids and teens need these new protections now more than ever.”
Julie Scelfo from Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA) stated,”These common-sense proposals by Governor Hochul will better safeguard New York’s youth from the harms of addictive and manipulative tech, and help put an end to the ongoing national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. The parents of the MAMA movement are grateful for the Governor’s continued national leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working with her and with the State Legislature to enact policies that protect our kids.”
In addition to strengthening regulations around children’s use of technology platforms, Governor Hochul plans a statewide expansion of Teen Mental Health First Aid training targeting 10th graders across New York State—reaching over 180,000 students annually once fully implemented.
This training aims at equipping teenagers aged 15-18 with skills necessary both in recognizing signs or symptoms related not only mental health but also substance abuse among peers; understanding impacts such as bullying or school violence; engaging classmates in conversations about concerns; seeking adult assistance when needed; identifying formal/informal supports; practicing self-care.
Adults who regularly interact with youth through schools or community programs will also receive Youth Mental Health First Aid training under this initiative.
Dr Ann Sullivan from New York State Office Of Mental Health noted,“In our discussions with young people about mental health issues, one consistent thread became clear — youth reach out to their peers when they are in distress.Teen Mental Health First Aid helps young New Yorkers talk with their classmates and friends about mental health issues and provides them with know-how to get them help when it is needed.By expanding this program,Gov.Hochul is continuing her steadfast commitment to improving youth mental health and providing our young people with skills they can rely on to live and thrive among challenges they face today.”
Chuck Ingoglia (President/CEO) & Tramaine EL-Amin (VP,Mental Health First Aid), National Council For Mental Wellbeing remarked,“This announcement represents a historic & transformative investment in youth mental health.We are deeply grateful to Gov.Hochul for her bold leadership/unwavering commitment…By expanding teen Mental Health First Aid statewide,N.Y.is setting powerful national standard—normalizing conversations,reducing stigma,equipping entire generation w/critical,potentially lifesaving skills.National Council proud partner/supports schools/educators/parents/communities as landmark initiative moves forward.”
These new proposals add onto previous efforts led by Gov.Hochul which include laws restricting addictive features within social media applications used by minors,the Child Data Protection Act preventing unauthorized data collection,and first-in-the-nation safeguards against dangerous AI-generated content.New York has also expanded access via school-based clinics,youth assertive community treatment teams,and home-based crisis intervention teams.The state established advisory boards involving young people themselves,to ensure programs reflect lived experience.Additional funding supports safe spaces/youth programming throughout communities.
