Page 4 - QT Edition #2 01-08-26

PAGE 4 THE QUEENS TIMES THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Governor Kathy Hochul Announces Nation-Leading Proposals
To Protect Kids Online, Restrict Ai Chatbots And Combat The
Youth Mental Health Crisis

(Continued from page 1) Governor Hochul for her partner- the impact of bullying and school
ship on this important proposal.” violence on mental health; how to
today we are continuing to break Assemblymember Nily Rozic have impactful conversations with It’s In Queens! the ingredients, recipes, and
new ground to give our kids the said, “Protecting kids online classmates about mental health (Jan. 9 to Jan. 15) techniques that people used to
tools and safeguards they need to means more than limiting harm. concerns or to seek help from an make warm, savory pies without
contend with the unprecedented It means empowering them with adult; formal and informal sup- Castles and compost. Bonsai modern kitchens. $55. Queens
mental health challenges and real knowledge, skills, and resources. port, and self-care. and bugs. Maps and meditation. County Farm Museum, 73-50
world dangers that can sometimes This legislation responds directly As part of this initiative, the Running and Reiki. This might Little Neck Pkwy., Glen Oaks.
be a byproduct of navigating to the concerns parents like me State will also offer new Youth sound odd, but it all makes • Jan. 11, Collections: An Il-
today’s digital world,” Governor have raised about harmful and Mental Health First Aid training sense in Queens. Please read on. lustrated Talk, 1:30 pm. Harley
Hochul said. “These proposals addictive online design, and it for adults who regularly interact Spiller, a collector extraordi-
will create a nation-leading stan- gives us the tools to hold compa- with youth in schools and com- • Jan. 9, Curator’s Choice, Feb. naire, offers practical tips for
dard that will ensure our kids’ nies accountable. I’m grateful to munity programs. This nationally- 8. This annual program shares collectors on caring for their
safety in online and real world Governor Hochul for listening to recognized curriculum introduces 27 favorite films – features, treasures. $5 suggested dona-
environments where they spend parents across our state and taking common mental health challenges studio releases, art pieces -- that tion. Voelker Orth Museum,
time.” decisive action to protect our kids’ for youth, reviews typical adoles- premiered theatrically during 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing.
New Protections for Kids on mental health and well-being.” cent development, and teaches a the previous calendar year, as • Jan. 11, Discovery Day,
Online Platforms Common Sense Media Founder 5-step action plan for how to help selected by MoMI curators. noon. Students (ages five and
Numerous lawsuits and investiga- and CEO James P. Steyer said, young people in both crisis and Special guests appear during up) looking for acting, singing,
tions have alleged that online plat- “Common Sense Media applauds non-crisis situations. some screenings. Museum of and dancing classes can sample
forms have not taken appropriate Governor Hochul’s inclusion of New York State Office of Men- the Moving Image, 36-01 35th the studio, meet the teachers,
steps to protect the children using these important new children’s tal Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Ave., Astoria’s Kaufman Arts and take a 40-minute trial class.
them. These online platforms al- online safety protections in her Sullivan said, “In our discussions District. Free. The Secret Academy, 10-
low children and adults to contact State of the State proposal and with young people about men- • Jan. 9, Bonsai Workshop, 10 44th Ave., Long Island City.
each other worldwide — which we thank Senator Gounardes tal health issues, one consistent 7 pm. Learn how to perfect a • Jan. 11, Compost In Context,
leaves children susceptible to and Assemblymember Rozic for thread became clear — youth time-honored Japanese art form 10 am. Learn about compost-
grooming, child abuse, and expo- their leadership on this issue. The reach out to their peers when involving small trees. $85. The ing in NYC — the challenges,
sure to violent and inappropriate online games kids play and the they are in distress. Teen Mental Greats of Craft, 10-15 43rd Ave., changes, and importance. Free.
content, including suicide. social media platforms they use Health First Aid helps young New Long Island City. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-
The Governor’s proposed for hours and hours a day have Yorkers talk with their classmates • Jan. 10, Meditation and 50 Main St., Flushing.
legislative package to keep kids become veritable hunting grounds and friends about mental health Reiki, 11 am. Sonia from Sonia • Jan. 11, Bug Buddies: Cen-
safe from emerging threats on for predators. Kids and teens need issues and provides them with Energy Healer leads a restor- tipedes & Millipedes, 11 am.
social media and online gaming these new protections now more the know-how to get them help ative workshop designed to Curious kids meet six-legged
platforms will include: than ever.” when it is needed. By expanding help participants reconnect with (and more) insects, while also
• Expanding Age Verification: Mothers Against Media Ad- this program, Governor Hochul is peace and presence via guided hunting for hidden habitats,
Expanding requirements for plat- diction (MAMA) Founder and continuing her steadfast commit- meditation, Reiki energy heal- learning about bug superpow-
forms to conduct age verification, Executive Director Julie Scelfo ment to improving youth mental ing, and grounding techniques. ers, and demystifying a mis-
including online game platforms. said, “These common-sense pro- health and providing our young $30. Alley Pond Environmental understood group. $12. Queens
• Privacy by Default: Kids will posals by Governor Hochul will people with the skills they can Center, 229-10 Northern Blvd., County Farm Museum, 73-50
be set to the highest privacy set- better safeguard New York’s youth rely on to live and thrive among Douglaston. Little Neck Pkwy., Glen Oaks.
tings on covered platforms by from the harms of addictive and the challenges they face today.” • Jan. 10, Frosty 5K & Icy • Jan. 11, Second Sunday
default, meaning non-connections manipulative tech, and help put President and CEO of the 5 Mile, 9:30 am. Two runs, Castle Tours, 1 pm. Bayside
cannot message kids, view their an end to the ongoing national National Council for Mental a kiddie dash, and Waterloo Historical Society staffers and
profile, or tag them in content. emergency in child and adolescent Wellbeing Chuck Ingoglia and Sparkling Water. Proceeds volunteers offer guided tours of
Location settings will be turned mental health. The parents of the Vice President of Mental Health benefit the Never Stop Running The Castle, a historic landmark,
off by default, and children under MAMA movement are grateful First Aid Tramaine EL-Amin said, Foundation. $44.15. Forest Park, and its exhibitions on the second
13 must receive parental approval for the Governor’s continued na- “This announcement represents a Woodhaven Boulevard and For- Sunday of each month from
for new connections. tional leadership on this issue, and historic and transformative invest- est Park Drive. 1 pm to 3 pm. Each tour lasts
• Disabling AI Chatbot Features: we look forward to working with ment in youth mental health. We • Jan. 10, STEAM Saturday: approximately 45 minutes. The
Disabling certain AI chatbot fea- her and with the State Legislature are deeply grateful to Governor Making Map Collages, noon. Castle, 208 Totten Ave., Fort
tures on social media platforms to enact policies that protect our Hochul for her bold leadership Explore cartography, the sci- Totten.
for kids. kids.” and unwavering commitment ence of map making, and cul- • Jan. 14, Monthly Jazz Jam
• Parental Controls: Parents must Expanding Youth Mental Health to the mental wellbeing of New tural memory with artist and Honoring Miles Davis, 7 pm.
be able to set limits on children’s Training For Hundreds of Thou- York’s students. By expanding urban planner Cara Michell. Musicians, students, educators,
financial transactions. sands of Teens teen Mental Health First Aid to Lewis Latimer House Museum, and hobbyists get together and
This package draws on exist- Governor Hochul will propose to reach all 10th graders statewide, 34-41 137th St., Flushing. jam. Don’t play? Come listen.
ing legislation sponsored by State make Teen Mental Health First New York is setting a powerful • Jan. 10, Colonial Culinary: $15. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35
Senator Andrew Gounardes and Aid training available to all 10th national standard — normalizing Savory Pies, 10 am. Learn Northern Blvd.
Assemblymember Nily Rozic. graders across New York State. conversations about mental health,
New York Attorney General New York would phase in a com- reducing stigma and equipping
Letitia James said, “Online plat- mitment to make training avail- an entire generation with criti-
forms like Roblox are enabling able to more than 180,000 students cal, potentially lifesaving skills.
unsafe environments for children, annually, ensuring that over time The National Council is proud to
including allowing predators to most high school students will partner in this effort and remains
send explicit messages to chil- have the basic skills to support fully committed to supporting
dren. We urgently need to pass themselves and each other. schools, educators, parents and
crucial online safety protections When teens experience mental communities as this landmark
to stop predators from exploiting health and substance use chal- initiative moves forward.”
children and create safer online lenges, often their first resort is This State of the State proposal
environments for children to play. to talk to their peers. Likewise, builds on Governor Hochul’s on-
I am proud to continue working friends are often best positioned going efforts to address the youth
with Governor Hochul, Senator to identify and empathize with mental health crisis statewide and BHS.Tours
Gounardes, and Assemblymember stressors that may be acting on help keep kids safe online. This
Rozic to push for nation-leading fellow students. Research demon- work has established New York
legislation that will protect chil- strates that with training, young as a global leader in securing a QBP Richards Launches 2026 Queens
dren and families online.” people have the capacity to both safer online world for children. Community Board Application Process
Senator Andrew Gounardes identify and effectively respond Initiatives include:
said, “It’s a grim reality of the to mental health challenges in • The SAFE for Kids Act, which (Continued from page 3) of the appointments nominated
modern internet: the online plat- ways that can improve and even restricts addictive features of so- by the City Councilmembers
forms where our kids spend so save lives. cial media for kids, and establishes Land Use Review Procedure, representing their respective
much time are failing to protect This training is designed for important national precedent in addition to holding hearings Community Districts. Each board
them from predators. From toys young people between the ages about age verification. and issuing recommendations has up to 50 unsalaried members,
to food to cars, we regulate all 15 and 18 so they can identify, • The Child Data Protection Act about the City budget, municipal with each member serving a two-
sorts of products to keep children understand, and respond to signs that prevents online operators service delivery and numerous year term.
safe. There’s no reason platforms of mental health and substance from collecting and monetizing other matters that impact their All community board members
like Roblox should be different. use challenges in their friends children’s data without informed communities. who wish to continue serving on
This proposal sends a clear mes- and peers. It equips them with consent. All Queens community board a board are required to reapply at
sage that New York will always skills to recognize common signs • AI Companion legislation members are appointed by the the conclusion of their two-year
prioritize our kids’ safety over and symptoms of mental health Queens Borough President, pursu- term and are subject to review and
Big Tech’s profits. I’m grateful to and substance use challenges; (Continued on page 9) ant to the City Charter, with half reconsideration.