ALBANY, NY (WENY)--WEDNESDAY, GOV. KATHY HOCHUL REITERATED THAT KIDS' MENTAL HEALTH REMAINS A TOP PRIORITY.

THERE ARE TWO BILLS IN ALBANY DESIGNED TO PROTECT KIDS ONLINE IN DIFFERENT WAYS.
 
THE GOVERNOR SAid THEY COULD HELP ADDRESS THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON KIDS' MENTAL HEALTH.  
 
ONE BILL – DUBBED the 'SAFE ACT'– WOULD PROHIBIT ADDICTIVE FEEDS FOR MINORS WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT.   
 
IF PASSED, IT WOULD ALSO GIVE THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND PARENTS THE ABILITY TO SUE SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES WHO VIOLATE THIS LAW.   
 
ANOTHER BILL, THE 'NEW YORK CHILD DATA PROTECTION ACT' WOULD PROTECT KIDS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 FROM HAVING THEIR DATA SOLD WITHOUT CONSENT.   
 
AS IT STANDS – SOME STUDENTS STRESS THE IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ARE HARD TO ESCAPE.  
 
“It can be too much and it's really overwhelming and addicting. Whether we’re trying to learn or trying to hang out with our friends and family we’re hearing the bing on our phone. ‘Bing! The girl posted. Bing! She’s on vacation. Bing! She’s doing more than you. Bing! Look at her life, it's great, why isn’t yours?’” said Mekka Vazquez, 16-year-old student.
 
MANY LAWMAKERS HAVE SAID IT’S CRITICAL LAWMAKERS PASS THIS LEGISLATION THIS SESSION.