Earlier this week, Governor Kathy Hochul visited a New York City middle school to support the launch of a new statewide policy restricting smartphone use during the school day. The initiative, which began with the start of the 2025-26 academic year, aims to create a distraction-free environment for students across New York.
During her visit, Hochul was joined by “Frankie Focus,” a mascot designed to promote phone-free learning. Teachers, parents, and students gathered to show their support for the policy.
In her remarks to students at MS-582, Hochul said: “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.”
Hochul highlighted that New York is among few states implementing such comprehensive restrictions on student smartphone use: “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.”
The governor emphasized her hope that students would benefit from increased focus and social interaction: “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 use their time at school for learning and building relationships: “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. 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.”
Hochul concluded by congratulating MS-582 on its leadership role: “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 also introduced Frankie Focus as an example of focused learning: “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. That’s alright; that’s alright.
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. So let’s give a round applause to our friend Frankie Focus.
Alright; take it away Mr Principal.”
