In an effort to combat the spread of dangerous and inaccurate information on social media platforms, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is spearheading the development of a „Media Literacy“ toolkit for educators. The governor recently met with State Commissioner of Education Betty A. Rosa and other educational leaders to discuss the ongoing project, which aims to equip students with the skills to identify and discern mis/dis/mal-information online.
The toolkit, which is still in the works and has not yet been released to schools, will provide teachers with resources to help students navigate the vast landscape of information on the internet. With the rise of misinformation and hate speech online, Governor Hochul is committed to ensuring that New York students are equipped to critically analyze and evaluate the content they encounter online.
State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray is leading discussions with experts and stakeholders statewide to finalize the toolkit and deliver it to educators by the end of 2024. The goal is to provide teachers with the tools they need to help students develop the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
The initiative comes in response to a surge in online hate speech following global events such as the terrorist attacks on Israel and the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Governor Hochul has emphasized the importance of addressing the rising tide of hate online, especially when it comes to protecting children from harmful content.
In addition to the development of the Media Literacy toolkit, Governor Hochul has also called on major social media companies to increase monitoring of content that could incite violence. She recognizes the benefits of social media but acknowledges that it can also serve as a breeding ground for hateful content. By working with educators and social media platforms, the governor is taking proactive steps to safeguard New Yorkers, particularly children, from harmful online content.
The governor’s efforts to improve youth mental health and well-being extend beyond the development of the Media Literacy toolkit. She has conducted a statewide listening tour focused on addressing smartphone use in schools, recognizing the impact of technology on students‘ mental health and overall well-being.
Overall, Governor Hochul’s commitment to promoting media literacy and protecting children from harmful online content demonstrates her dedication to ensuring a safe and responsible digital environment for all New Yorkers. By equipping educators with the necessary tools and resources, the state is taking proactive steps to empower students to navigate the digital world with confidence and critical thinking skills.