New York is rolling out a sweeping set of proposals aimed at protecting kids online and tackling the youth mental health crisis.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the initiatives as part of her State of the State agenda on Jan. 5. The proposals focus on limiting online harm, restricting certain AI chatbot features, and dramatically expanding mental health training for teenagers statewide.
The legislative package would strengthen protections for children on social media, online gaming, and other digital platforms. Proposed changes include expanded age verification, higher default privacy settings for kids, limits on AI chatbot features for minors, and stronger parental controls over online spending.
Hochul said the proposals respond to growing concerns about online predators, scams, and harmful digital content targeting young people.
“As New York’s first mom Governor, the well-being and safety of our children has always been one of my top priorities,” Hochul said. “These proposals will create a nation-leading standard that will ensure our kids’ safety in online and real world environments where they spend time.”
A major piece of the plan would expand Teen Mental Health First Aid training to all 10th graders across the state. The program would eventually reach more than 180,000 students each year, giving teens tools to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges among their peers.
State officials said the training reflects research showing teens often turn to friends first when they are struggling. The program teaches students how to spot warning signs, start conversations, and connect peers with trusted adults and support resources.
The proposal also includes expanded mental health training for adults who work closely with youth in schools and community programs.
Hochul’s announcement builds on earlier actions, including banning smartphones in schools, adding warning labels to social media platforms, restricting addictive online feeds, and expanding school-based mental health clinics across New York.
State leaders and advocacy groups praised the plan, calling it a major step toward improving safety and mental health outcomes for young people.
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