Earlier this week, Governor Kathy Hochul visited a New York City middle school to support the state’s new policy restricting student smartphone use during the school day. The visit marked the start of the 2025-26 academic year and included teachers, parents, and students who gathered to back what is being described as a significant step toward distraction-free learning in schools across New York.
The event featured “Frankie Focus,” a mascot introduced as part of the campaign to encourage students to pay attention in class without digital distractions. During her remarks at MS-582, Governor Hochul addressed students about the change in policy and its expected benefits.
“Good morning, everyone. Any Bulldogs here? Let me hear you growl a little bit like some tough bulldogs. Alright, I like the sound of that. Listen I am here today — hey, is it the first day of school? Are you so excited you can’t stand it? Okay, I like the energy. Now, I know we’ve got some sixth graders here. First time in the school, right? You excited about that? Well, one thing that’s going to be a little different for you, too, is that this is the first time that you’ll not have cell phones in your possession during the school day. Now we’re doing this because we want to make sure that you can keep learning and in a distraction-free environment. We’re doing it all over the state, and you’re among the very first.”
She continued by noting differences between New York’s approach and those taken by other states: “There are people in other states who are not doing what we’re doing. But I know one thing — you are going to be smarter because you’ll be paying attention more in school. Your teachers will have a better experience teaching you and making connections with you. And ultimately, you’re going to be better than anybody else.”
Governor Hochul emphasized how previous use of smartphones during class has distracted students from their studies: “So I am so excited about this policy, because for too long students have sat in schools, with their cell phone in their hand, distracted looking at TikTok dance videos. Anybody ever do that? You don’t have to tell me here, that’s all right. But do that at home, my friends. Do that at home. Do that somewhere else.”
She encouraged students to interact with each other more directly throughout their school day: “But this is a chance for you to learn, to make friends, to be in physical education class and talk to each other. Talk about what you’re going to do after school in the cafeteria, and just start communicating again.”
The governor also commended MS-582 for its early adoption of these measures: “And I’m so excited because this school has been at the forefront. I commend you for your leadership, Mr. Principal. And I want to thank all of you here for being leaders that I can point to because I know, because of this policy that you’ve adopted and your younger students coming up are going to be experiencing for the first time — that this is a life changing experience for you. You don’t realize it yet. You don’t realize it right now, but at the end of this school year, you’re going to be happier, have more friends, be smarter, and that’s what we’re here in school for.”
She concluded by introducing Frankie Focus: “So I congratulate everyone at MS-582, the Bulldogs — Bulldogs. I want you to all have a fabulous year as we send a message all across the state that we are going to make sure when we’re in school we are learning; we are no longer distracted.” She added: “And I’ve got a friend here, one of my best friends who I want you to get to know. Frankie Focus; he’s introduced here today for the very first time. He doesn’t say a lot; he’s kind of quiet… But he is very focused on learning in school; focused on the teachers; focused on making friends; and focused on doing a great job as a student here at MS-582.” The governor then asked attendees for applause before turning over proceedings back over to school’s principal.
This statewide initiative aims both to reduce classroom distractions caused by personal devices and foster stronger interpersonal communication among students.
