Williamsville, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul hosted a roundtable with students from Williamsville East High School on Friday to discuss the youth mental health crisis, and the challenges posed by unhealthy and excessive social media use.
The Governor reiterated her commitment to enacting nation-leading legislation addressing online safety and the harmful impacts of social media in the final weeks of the 2024 State Legislative session.
"I've heard from young people across our state about mental health challenges and the harmful impacts of social media," Gov. Hochul said. "We have no choice but to take action. We have seen the negative effects of social media on young people as early as 9- and 10-year-olds, who are radically different children than they would have been if they weren't pulled by this addictive force into the dark spaces of social media. We have to act now."
The Governor is focused on advancing two pieces of legislation by the end of the Legislative Session in June. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act will restrict the addictive features of social media and the New York Child Data Protection Act will restrict the collection of minors’ personal data by online sites.
"Yes, there are barriers built around buffering social media companies so they don't have any liability. But parents know, there is a direct correlation between these addictive algorithms, and the fact that they're being bombarded all night long. These children do not get any rest," Gov. Hochul said. "Some of them have commented to me saying, 'You got to help us, you know, we got to figure this out.' One student told me not here, but another school said, 'You've got to save us from ourselves. Because we don't know how to turn this off.' That's by design, by these companies who want to take you into an addictive place, you cannot break out of it. So it's a challenge, but we're up for it."
This commitment is part of the Governor’s broader effort to address the youth mental health crisis and ensure that young people can get the care and resources they need.
"I want to thank Gov. Hochul for meeting with students to discuss mental health and social media," said Williamsville Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall. "I am extremely proud and want to commend our students for being agents of change to not only provide a better future for themselves, but their classmates, and community. The more our students are able to be part of the discussion and advocate, the better."
"I want to thank Gov. Hochul for meeting with students today. I think it’s great that she has prioritized meeting with our generation to learn more about what’s going on with teenagers today, mental health, and social media issues," added Williamsville East High School Senior Aniyah Ramadan.