File #: Int 0022-2026    Version: Name: Requiring the department of education to distribute materials to students about the risks of social media and online hate.
Type: Introduction Status: Laid Over in Committee
Committee: Committee to Combat Hate
On agenda: 1/29/2026
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the department of education to distribute materials to students about the risks of social media and online hate
Sponsors: Shaun Abreu, Linda Lee, Farah N. Louis, Lynn C. Schulman, Virginia Maloney , Gale A. Brewer, Oswald J. Feliz, Ty Hankerson, Yusef Salaam, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Eric Dinowitz, Justin E. Sanchez, Sandra Ung, Kamillah Hanks
Council Member Sponsors: 14
Summary: This bill would require the Department of Education (DOE) to distribute materials to middle and high school students annually, beginning September 30, 2026, regarding the risks and dangers associated with social media for youth, including in relation to online bullying, harassment, discrimination, misinformation, and disinformation, as well as how to prevent or mitigate associated harms. The materials would be age-appropriate and updated annually to reflect changes in information and best practices, and would also be posted to the department’s website.
Attachments: 1. Summary of Int. No. 22-A, 2. Summary of Int. No. 22, 3. Int. No. 22, 4. January 29, 2026 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 5. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 1-29-26, 6. Fiscal Impact Statement - City Council, 7. Committee Report 2/25/26, 8. Hearing Testimony 2/25/26, 9. Hearing Testimony 2/25/26 additional 1, 10. Hearing Testimony 2/25/26 additional 2, 11. Appearance Cards 2/25/26, 12. Hearing Transcript 2/25/26, 13. Memorandum in Support, 14. Proposed Int. No. 22-A - 3/19/26

Proposed Int. No. 22-A

 

By Council Members Abreu, Lee, Louis, Schulman, Maloney, Brewer, Feliz, Hankerson, Salaam, Brooks-Powers, Dinowitz, J. Sanchez, Ung and Hanks

 

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the department of education to distribute materials to students about the risks of social media and online hate

 

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

 

Section 1. Title 21-A of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new chapter 43 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 43

DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS ON THE RISKS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

§ 21-1015 Distribution of materials on the risks of social media. a. Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

Social media. The term “social media” means a website, program, or application that allows 1 or more users to create, view, share, comment, or otherwise interact with information and with other users of such website, program, or application. Such website, program, or application may use 1 or more algorithms to personalize or moderate the dissemination of information for a user or group of users.

b. No later than September 30, 2026, and annually thereafter, the department shall distribute to each middle and high school of the city school district of the city of New York, to be made available to students in writing, in hard copy, or electronically, the following information using plain, simple, and age-appropriate language:

1. Evidence-based information about the risks and dangers associated with using social media, particularly for young people, including, but not limited to, social media addiction, negative impacts on mental and physical health, the dangers of engaging with strangers online, and the risks and dangers of bullying, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination in online forums;

2. Information about misinformation and disinformation, including their role in perpetuating or amplifying hate, bias, and discrimination, and the importance of independent research, primary sources, and the need for independent verification; and

3. Methods for preventing or mitigating the harm that social media may cause.

c. The materials to be distributed pursuant to subdivision b of this section shall be updated annually to reflect changes in evidence-based information and best practices in relation to social media use.

§ 2. This local law takes effect immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

CY/JLB

LS #13823

Int. #0002-2024

3/18/2026 3:44 PM