Gov. Kathy Hochul visited the Yonkers Public Library this morning to convene a youth mental health roundtable with elected leaders and Yonkers City School District officials.

The discussion focused on the impact of cellphone usage on students' academic performance and personal lives.

Hochul highlighted the success of school districts that have implemented cellphone prohibitions, such as New Rochelle and Middletown, in improving students' communication and social skills.

"We're seeing students decline in their development skills because they're constantly checking to see what's the latest on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok," Hochul said. "Parents need to set examples for their children. We're no better, looking down at our own phones. It all starts at home."

This initiative is part of Hochul's ongoing efforts to address the youth mental health crisis in New York, following the state's investment of $20 million in school-based mental health clinics.