PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2026
Hudson Lab School Students Travel to Albany to Advocate for Online Safety Legislation
Students meet with lawmakers, speak at Capitol press conference, and join statewide Day of Action
HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, NY — Students from Hudson Lab School traveled to Albany on March 10 to participate in a statewide Day of Action organized by Common Sense Media, joining parents, educators, and young people from across New York to advocate for stronger protections for children online.
The day began with a policy briefing led by Common Sense Media representatives, where participants learned about current legislation aimed at protecting minors from online exploitation, unsafe private chat features, AI chatbot risks, and manipulative platform design. Participants then split into small groups to meet directly with lawmakers and their staff.
One student group met with Assemblymember Edward Gibbs of Manhattan, who spoke with the students about their concerns and invited them to visit again after hearing their perspectives on online safety.
Later in the day, students participated in a press conference on the steps of the New York State Capitol, where lawmakers discussed several proposed bills, including the Stop Online Predators Act (S.4609A), introduced by New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes. The legislation would require stronger safeguards on gaming and social media platforms that allow private messaging between minors and strangers.
Hudson Lab School student Lily Slavin, a member of the 4th–5th grade class, spoke at the press conference about the impact of technology and social media on young people.
“I don’t think it’s fair that children can be exposed to so many harmful things online,” Slavin said. “Apps, gaming platforms, and AI can make kids feel like they’re talking to friends, even when they’re not. If there are age limits for things like alcohol because they can be dangerous, then we should also make sure the internet is safe for kids. Children should be able to have fun online without worrying about being hurt, manipulated, or exposed to things they’re not ready for.”
Students also met with staff from the office of New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh to learn more about how legislation moves through the State Senate and how young people can participate in the policymaking process.
For many students, the trip offered a rare opportunity to see government in action.
“This experience showed students that their voices matter,” said Kimberly Mishkin of Hudson Lab School. “They met lawmakers, spoke at a press conference, and saw how the legislative process really works. Experiences like this help students understand that they are not too young to participate in important conversations about the world they are growing up in.”
Hudson Lab School, a project-based learning school in Hastings-on-Hudson, emphasizes real-world learning experiences that help students develop judgment, confidence, and a sense of responsibility. Participating in the Day of Action reflects the school’s commitment to helping students engage thoughtfully with complex issues that affect their lives.
Photos from the day include students meeting with legislators, participating in policy briefings, and speaking at the Capitol press conference.
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Media Contact:
Yvette Lopez
media@hudsonlabschool.com
(914) 826-5586