NEW YORK: New York City is banning students from using generative artificial intelligence through eighth grade for one year as part of a sweeping overhaul of technology use in public schools.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the moratorium will take effect during the 2026-27 school year, covering students from 2-K through eighth grade. Nearly 600,000 students, around two-thirds of the public school system, will be affected.
“This moratorium is a commitment to getting the future right,” Mamdani said, adding that technology should be embraced only when it serves students.
New York Restricts AI and Screen Time
Student-facing AI tools and companion chatbots will be prohibited in younger grades while educators, parents and experts assess their impact and recommend future policy.
High schools will take a different approach. Selected classrooms will participate in closely monitored AI pilot programmes, while all high school students will receive twice-yearly lessons on AI literacy, bias, ethics and critical thinking.
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Teachers may continue using approved AI tools for lesson planning and administrative tasks.
The overhaul also introduces screen-time guidelines. Device use will be restricted for the youngest pupils, while recommended daily limits will be 30 minutes for grades 3-5 and 45 minutes for grades 6-8.
Mamdani said the restrictions were intended to preserve “human connection” and ensure children develop problem-solving and social skills without becoming overly reliant on technology.
The policy follows growing concern among parents, educators and lawmakers over AI’s impact on learning and children’s development.
