Cover credit – Office of Governor Hochul
Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) school cell phone ban initiative was one of the better features of this year’s otherwise bloated Executive Budget. Bipartisanly supported, The Messenger also feels it’s a good initiative to curb distractions, increase classroom participation and attention span, and help kids withdraw from the constant dopamine hits of social media.
But the State couldn’t help but get in its own way by unveiling a mascot to help bring the point home. Enter Frankie Focus.
Frankie Focus is a large, neon green Muppet-looking creature with big glasses and a toothy grin. Gothamist reported that the State’s job application for those looking to climb into the ridiculous suit says, “Frankie Focus embodies the energy of a 14-16 year-old boy. He’s fun, silly, a little chaotic, but his heart’s always in the right place. He hates seeing someone on their phone.”
Hochul’s rollout of the unnecessary mascot was nothing short of cringe-worthy, but given that the cellphone ban is more aimed at middle-school and high-school kids, it seems odd that the discount Sesame Street character is in the mix. To us, the character is insulting to the intelligence of teenagers who are likely already rebellious in a natural way.
What teenager is going to be convinced by Frankie Focus? Hochul’s initiative was already well-received. Why take the extra step in trying to be “relatable” and jovial and just coming off as condescending and downright annoying?
Why not try to level with teenagers on a realistic level about the importance of educational success, rather than shove a puppet in their face and chastise them by saying he “hates seeing someone on their phone?”
New York State seems fixated on not knowing to quit while they’re ahead. We have no hate for Frankie Focus himself – he seems like a very nice mascot – but he’s completely misplaced and unnecessary for the serious issue that is success in the classroom.
