New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $10 million grant program called Unplug and Play to promote children's mental and physical health by encouraging them to engage in more positive activities away from social media and video games.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a new initiative dubbed 'Unplug and Play', which aims to address growing concerns over children's mental and physical health linked to excessive screen time. The program comes with a significant funding boost of $10 million aimed at helping parents steer their children away from negative influences often found in social media and video games. Hochul emphasized the importance of children engaging in more beneficial activities such as youth sports, arts programs, civic participation, and community development in order to foster overall well-being and improved performance in various aspects of their lives.
This initiative follows prior efforts by Governor Hochul to promote active lifestyles among youth, including the 2024 campaign 'Get Offline, Get Outside', which encourages kids to spend time outdoors rather than glued to their screens. Hochul has also signed the SAFE for Kids legislation aimed at protecting the data of minors, further complementing her strategy to combat digital addiction. These measures indicate a broader recognition of the importance of recreational opportunities in nurturing children's development.
The Unplug and Play program reflects a growing awareness among policymakers regarding the need to counteract the adverse effects of digital technology on the younger generation. By investing in programs that facilitate real-life interactions and physical activity, Hochul aims to create a healthier environment where children can thrive, reinforcing the notion that unfettered online access is not conducive to healthy growth. This funding marks a vital step towards ensuring that children in New York have access to the necessary resources needed to foster their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
