In a move intended to spotlight the often overlooked issue of teen dating violence, Governor Kathy Hochul has proclaimed February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.Y esterday, as a symbol of this declaration, 16 state landmarks were bathed in orange light, according to the Governor's office, signaling a call to action for public awareness and education on the matter.
Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York has taken a front-running position in the protection of teens from the hazards posed by the digital world. The state has pioneered initiatives aimed at making online spaces safer, notably for the younger population, who are increasingly immersed in their digital lives. In 2025, the Governor signed legislation mandating warnings on social media platforms employing potentially addictive features, such as infinite scroll and algorithm-driven feeds. According to the Governor's Office announcement, this approach represents a strong commitment to the well-being of New York's youth.
Furthermore, February will see various initiatives aimed at educating both teens and parents on the risks and prevention of dating violence—particularly as mediated through technology. A training dubbed Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence 101 will be offered by the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV). It is designed to boost participants' capacity to identify and resist technology abuses and other online harms, including sextortion. "What the Flag?!?", a campaign launched by OPDV, leverages social media interactions to educate about the signs of unhealthy versus healthy relationships and has compiled New Yorkers' experiences into an accessible digital display.
Last March, OPDV also started the "Power Down Speak Up" campaign to encourage proactivity in securing online safety among youth, extending into 2026 to encompass strategies for building healthy relationships. Governor Hochul's new legislative proposals also target harmful AI chatbots and predators online, with safety directives for AI companion systems meant to protect young New Yorkers at their core.
Commissioners across several New York state departments echoed Hochul's sentiments and the importance of these measures. "Teens are growing up in a truly digital age where online experiences shape their friendships, relationships, and impact their mental health," New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens told the Governor's Office. Owens thanked the Governor for her dedication to pioneering sensible solutions that actively prevent dating and gender-based violence.
As part of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, illuminating landmarks like One World Trade Center and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge serve as beacons highlighting the fight against relationship violence among youths. This list also features the Kosciuszko Bridge, Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, and the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse among others. The OPDV, standing as the nation's only Cabinet-level state agency devoted to gender-based violence concerns, continues to offer support through resources like their Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline, available around the clock.
