New York Highlights Online Safety Push During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Offers Training for Families

Albany, N.Y. — New York is marking February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month with a statewide push aimed at helping teens and families recognize unhealthy relationship behaviors—especially those that show up online.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation designating the month and directed 16 state landmarks to be illuminated in orange on Sunday night, Feb. 1, to draw attention to teen dating violence prevention and support resources.

State officials are tying the month’s message to a broader focus on digital safety and teen mental health. The administration has highlighted recent efforts to curb harmful online experiences, including a new requirement for warning labels on social media platforms that use features such as infinite scroll, autoplay and algorithm-driven feeds. New York has also moved to “bell-to-bell” cellphone restrictions in K-12 schools, requiring districts to implement phone-free policies during the school day.

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence is adding new tools for families this month, including a “Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence 101” training for teens and parents and a digital awareness display called “What the Flag?!?” that shares real-life “red flags” and “green flags” people have experienced in relationships.

For parents, advocates recommend setting clear rules about sharing images, passwords and location data, and saving evidence—screenshots, messages—if a teen is being harassed or threatened online. Anyone seeking help can find confidential support through New York’s domestic and sexual violence hotline resources.

Officials said families should watch for more guidance and campaign updates through OPDV during February.