Key facts
- New York City schools have implemented a one-year ban on generative AI for students in elementary and middle school.
- The policy impacts roughly 600,000 students, representing two-thirds of the city's student population.
- High school students will participate in a mandatory AI literacy course and have controlled access to AI tools.
- The city will block or remove generative AI programs from school devices and disable AI features in existing educational software.
- Daily screen time limits are also being introduced for younger students.
New York City's public school system has instituted a one-year ban on the use of generative artificial intelligence in elementary and middle school classrooms, impacting approximately 600,000 students. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the policy, stating that the city does not believe AI is necessary for early education, contrary to the tech industry's view.
Under the new guidelines, generative AI programs will be blocked or removed from school devices. AI features within 38 previously approved educational programs will also be disabled, or the products will be discontinued if the features cannot be turned off. The policy also introduces daily screen time limits for younger students: 30 minutes for those in third through fifth grade and 45 minutes for middle schoolers.
High school students, however, will be required to complete an AI literacy course and will have access to AI programs in specific educational contexts. Mayor Mamdani emphasized the need to prepare teenagers for an AI-saturated world, stating it would be irresponsible not to. The effectiveness of the ban will be evaluated after the 2026-2027 school year.
The decision comes amid widespread concerns across the country about students using generative AI to cheat on assignments. A group of parents, teachers, and activists known as the AIM Coalition called the ban an important first step but indicated their fight for more restrictions is ongoing. Previously, in March, the city's school system had released guidelines permitting AI use for research and creative projects under educator guidance.