New York Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a sweeping legislative package aimed at protecting children from the dangers of online predators, manipulative AI chatbots, and social media features that can cause harm. As part of her 2026 State of the State agenda, the proposals seek to strengthen age verification processes on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, while also allowing parents to monitor their underage users' financial transactions.
The plan is an extension of previous efforts by the state, including banning smartphones in classrooms and requiring warning labels on social media sites. Under the new measures, platforms would be required to disable AI chatbot features for minors and set default privacy settings that restrict location tracking and contact with young users.
Hochul has stated that her proposals will create a nationwide standard ensuring children's safety both online and offline. The legislation also includes provisions for teen mental health first aid training available to all 10th graders statewide, as well as adult training for those who work with youth in schools and community programs.
The move follows concerns raised by the US Surgeon General that excessive social media use can lead to anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, and other issues. New York City has also deemed social media use a public health hazard.
TikTok and Meta – which owns Instagram – have yet to comment on the proposals.
The plan is an extension of previous efforts by the state, including banning smartphones in classrooms and requiring warning labels on social media sites. Under the new measures, platforms would be required to disable AI chatbot features for minors and set default privacy settings that restrict location tracking and contact with young users.
Hochul has stated that her proposals will create a nationwide standard ensuring children's safety both online and offline. The legislation also includes provisions for teen mental health first aid training available to all 10th graders statewide, as well as adult training for those who work with youth in schools and community programs.
The move follows concerns raised by the US Surgeon General that excessive social media use can lead to anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, and other issues. New York City has also deemed social media use a public health hazard.
TikTok and Meta – which owns Instagram – have yet to comment on the proposals.
, you know? We gotta protect our kids from these online monsters 
that can hurt them in ways we can't even imagine. I mean, AI chatbots are supposed to be helpful, but if they're being used to manipulate kids into stuff they shouldn't be doing... it's just not right. And let's be real, social media companies are more concerned with making a buck than keeping our kids safe 
. So yeah, I'm all for these proposals - it's about time we take online safety seriously and give parents the tools to keep their kids protected 
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. As we continue to navigate the digital landscape, it's essential that we take proactive steps to safeguard their well-being. The proposed legislation seems like a step in the right direction – age verification processes and AI chatbot restrictions could potentially mitigate some of the risks associated with these platforms.
. It's also worth considering the potential implications on free speech and censorship concerns. Nevertheless, it's heartening to see a governor prioritizing children's safety and mental health in her state of the state agenda 
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. I mean, think about it - AI chatbots can be super manipulative, and social media platforms are like playgrounds for them to prey on our little ones 
. It's about time we take action, though! The idea of disabling those features for minors is genius 
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. We need more awareness and education on digital literacy, online etiquette, and media literacy 
. It's not just about safety; it's about preparing our kids for the world they're gonna enter when they leave home 
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. We should be proud of Hochul for taking a stand and advocating for our kids' well-being 
. Now, let's keep an eye on TikTok and Meta to see how they respond 
I mean, can you imagine having AI chatbots that are like manipulative friends for kids? It's just not right! 
The fact that she wants to make age verification processes stronger on platforms like Instagram and TikTok is literally saving lives, in my opinion. And the idea of parents being able to monitor their underage users' financial transactions is genius 
!
, but do we really need government regulations on this? It feels like a step too far 
. What about personal freedom? Can't parents just keep an eye on their own kids? 
And what's with the age verification processes? Are we expecting most kids to be lying about their ages online? 
. And what about the mental health training for teens? It sounds like a nice idea, but how effective is it really gonna be? 