In a bold move to redefine the future of technology, California has launched the first-ever Teen Tech Council a pioneering initiative that places young people at the heart of digital policy decisions. Spearheaded by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the non-profit #HalfTheStory this program aims to transform how the state approaches AIdigital wellness and emerging technologies.
The initiative is a direct outcome of Governor Gavin Newsom’s California Innovation Council which seeks to harness diverse perspectives to shape responsible technology policies. By involving teens in these critical conversations, California is setting a precedent for how governments can engage the next generation in building a safer, more innovative digital landscape.
Empowering Teens as Digital Leaders
The Teen Tech Council is more than just a consultative body; it is a platform that empowers teens to become advocatesadvisors and community builders. The inaugural roundtable in Sacramento brought together 20 teens from over 10 school districts to discuss pressing issues such as AI safetydeepfake imagery and the role of generative AI in education. This initiative reflects a shift from viewing teens solely as users of technology to recognizing them as contributors to its future.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “As a mom, I know that every new technology brings both incredible opportunities and important questions about how it will shape our kids’ lives. California has always led the way in innovation, and our young people should be at the forefront of that work.”
Building on a Proven Model
California is not the first state to adopt this model. In 2026, #HalfTheStory launched a similar Teen Tech Council in New York in partnership with Secretary Hillary Clinton and Governor Kathy Hochul. The New York initiative successfully trained over 70 youth leaders across 13 regions, reaching more than 17,000 students. This proven model is now being replicated in California, with plans to recruit teens statewide through screen-free events hosted with community partners.
Larz May, Founder and Executive Director of #HalfTheStory highlighted the significance of this initiative, saying, “My vision is to make sure that, at this turning point in humanity and AI, teens help shape their future rather than simply inherit it.” This vision aligns with California’s commitment to responsible innovation and digital wellness.
Strengthening California’s Tech Policy Framework
California has long been at the forefront of tech policy, particularly in protecting children from the dangers of emerging technologies. The state has enacted several landmark legislations, including the Phone-Free School Act which requires school districts to limit smartphone use starting from the 2026-27 school year. Additionally, Governor Newsom signed legislation strengthening protections for children online, addressing issues such as age verification, suicide and self-harm protocols, and penalties for illegal deepfakes.
The state is also home to 33 of the top 50 private AI companies in the world. In 2026, Governor Newsom made California the first state to take action on Generative AI policy, announcing an executive order to responsibly adopt this technology in state government and study its risks. This led to the Transparency in Frontier Technology Act which has since been replicated in other states.
Governor Newsom’s March 2026 executive order further strengthened civil rights and privacy in California’s procurement of AI technology, expanding the state’s adoption of AI to improve government services. These initiatives underscore California’s leadership in creating a safer, more secure digital environment.
The Teen Tech Council is just one part of a broader effort to involve young people in shaping the future of technology. By giving teens a meaningful seat at the table, California is not only empowering the next generation but also ensuring that the technologies of tomorrow are developed with their voices and experiences in mind.
