Hochul proposes new protections for kids online, expands teen mental health training

HAMBURG, N.Y. — New York Governor Kathy Hochul was in Hamburg Tuesday to roll out her first State of the State proposals, pitching new measures to keep kids safe online and try to tackle New York’s youth mental health crisis. 

The package includes protections against online predators, scams and harmful AI chatbots, along with a first-of-its-kind statewide expansion of Teen Mental Health First Aid training to help young people recognize and respond to warning signs among peers. Earlier initiatives that state has introduced include: banning smartphones in schools and expanding school-based clinics and other community mental health supports.

“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,” Governor 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.” 

Among the items in the proposal:

• Expanding Age Verification: Expanding requirements for platforms to conduct age verification, including online game platforms. 
• Privacy by Default: Kids will be set to the highest privacy settings on covered platforms by default, meaning non-connections cannot message kids, view their profile, or tag them in content. Location settings will be turned off by default, and children under 13 must receive parental approval for new connections. 
• Disabling AI Chatbot Features: Disabling certain AI chatbot features on social media platforms for kids. 
• Parental Controls: Parents must be able to set limits on children’s financial transactions.

The Governor is also proposing Teen Mental Health First Aid training for all 10th graders across New York State.  The state wans to make the training available to more than 180,000 students annually and that over time most high school students will have skills to support themselves and each other. 

“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 the know-how to get them help when it is needed. By expanding this program, Governor Hochul is continuing her steadfast commitment to improving youth mental health and providing our young people with the skills they can rely on to live and thrive among the challenges they face today,” said New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan.

The training is for teens ages 15 to 18 and teaches them how to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges among friends, including the effects of bullying and school violence, how to talk with classmates and when to seek help from an adult, as well as ways to find support and practice self-care.