Key facts
- New York City schools are implementing a one-year ban on generative AI for students in grades 2-K through eighth grade.
- The moratorium affects approximately 600,000 students and begins with the 2026-27 school year.
- Companion chatbots are prohibited in all grades, including high school.
- High school students will undergo AI literacy training and participate in limited pilots of AI tools.
- Generative AI programs will be blocked or removed from school devices, and AI features in existing software will be disabled.
- Screen time limits are being introduced for younger students.
New York City schools are implementing a one-year ban on generative artificial intelligence for students in grades 2-K through eighth grade, impacting approximately 600,000 students. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the policy, stating that the city does not view AI-powered early education as inevitable and emphasizes the importance of human connection for learning.
Companion chatbots will be prohibited in all grades, and generative AI software will be blocked or removed from school devices. AI features in existing educational programs will be disabled, or the products discontinued if the features cannot be turned off. The moratorium begins with the 2026-27 school year.
High school students will have controlled access to AI tools through metered pilots in a maximum of five classes per school, utilizing tools like Quill for text analysis and Edia for math coaching. They will also participate in two 45-minute AI literacy modules annually, covering the technology's nature, bias, risks, ethics, and career impacts. Teachers will still be permitted to use AI for lesson planning and operational tasks, provided the tools meet safety standards. Exceptions are also made for assistive technology for students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and career readiness programs.
Additionally, screen time will be restricted for younger students, with daily caps of 30 minutes for grades three to five and 45 minutes for grades six to eight. Every technology tool in city schools will undergo review to ensure its functionality is mission-critical to learning. A new Technology in Schools Coalition, comprising students, educators, parents, unions, advocates, and elected officials, will assess the moratorium and pilots and publish recommendations.