Following the passage of two bills aimed at protecting children online, New York Attorney General James, Senator Gounardes, Assemblymember Rozic, and Governor Hochul have received widespread praise from unions, community groups, and advocates. The legislation prohibits online sites from collecting and sharing children's personal data and limits addictive features of social media platforms that can harm their mental health and development.
Michael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers, stated: “The legislation that was announced here by Governor Hochul, Attorney General James, Senator Gounardes, and Assemblymember Rozic in October 2023 are set to become law, and our children will be safer as a result. Bottom line: this legislation will help protect our students. As educators, we know the impact social media can have on our students' emotional health and well-being. Hopefully, other states will follow New York's lead.”
New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) President Melinda Person added: “Educators see the harmful effects of social media on our kids every day, and this legislation is a tremendous first step toward ensuring these influences remain in their proper places. We are grateful to the Legislature, the Attorney General and the governor for championing the mental health of our students as they navigate our rapidly changing world online."
James P. Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, remarked: “Hats off to New York's leaders who have made the safety and well-being of children and teens online a top priority. From the start, Attorney General James put together carefully crafted legislation that gets at the heart of what harms kids and their families online... Once these bills are implemented...the social media experience for young users will be healthier.”
Kathleen Spence, a middle school teacher and mother of Alexis Spence said: “We are grateful that New York has taken the lead in keeping children safer from the harms of social media. Although both of our children are older now...these laws are in place to protect students and future generations.”
Robert S. Schneider from the New York State School Boards Association commented: “The historic passage of the New York Child Data Protection Act sets a precedent across the nation to safeguard...children under eighteen from online entities seeking to collect [and] sell...their information.”
Luisa Lopez from Latino Social Work Coalition & Scholarship Fund emphasized: “In an era where children's lives are deeply embedded in the digital world...these bills...equip parents with necessary tools to protect children from predatory practices affecting their mental health.”
Rose Pierre-Louis from McSilver Institute noted: “These common-sense reforms will help make New York a leader in addressing [social media] crisis among our young people...Thanks to Attorney General James and Governor Hochul for publicly supporting these efforts.”
Anita Gundanna and Vanessa Leung from Coalition of Asian American Children and Families highlighted specific vulnerabilities within their community: "Asian American girls are particularly vulnerable...CACF congratulates Governor Hochul...[for passing] critical legislation."
Rabbi Yeruchim Silber from Agudath Israel of America stated: "It is critical to protect minors from these destructive influences."
Tara N. Burgess from EPIC - Every Person Influences Children commended efforts to hold social media platforms accountable.
Mendy Mirocznik from Council of Jewish Organizations applauded legislators for creating a safety net for youth.
Avi Greenstein from Boro Park Jewish Community Council described it as a much-needed step for protecting children.
Julie Scelfo from MAMA expressed gratitude towards officials for addressing addictive algorithms.
Nadia Holubnyczyj-Ortiz shared firsthand stories about social media’s harmful impact on minors during a roundtable with Attorney General Letitia James.