New York City banned student-facing generative AI in public schools through eighth grade under a new policy that will take effect during the 2026-27 school year. The one-year moratorium, announced Wednesday by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels, will apply to nearly 600,000 students from 2-K through grade 8 as the nation’s largest school system reassesses the role of artificial intelligence in classrooms.
The policy does not prohibit all uses of AI. Teachers may continue using approved tools for lesson planning and administrative work, while high school students will have access to tightly controlled AI programs under teacher supervision. AI companion chatbots will be prohibited for students in all grades.
The city is also restricting how much time younger students spend on individual devices. Routine one-to-one screen use will be eliminated for students through second grade.
The guidance recommends daily limits of 30 minutes for grades 3 through 5 and 45 minutes for grades 6 through 8, with exceptions for accessibility, assessments, and approved instructional needs.
Why New York City bans generative AI in schools
The restrictions mark a significant change from preliminary guidance released in March. That proposal used a more flexible framework that allowed some student AI use with safeguards rather than imposing a broad moratorium.
https://x.com/ShiningScience/status/2095930764080947613
The proposal drew thousands of public comments and opposition from parents, educators, union representatives and elected officials. By late May, Samuels said the original guidance had “missed the mark.” A majority of City Council members later urged the administration to impose a two-year moratorium, while the city delayed its final guidance and temporarily froze new educational software purchases.
City officials said more than 38 previously approved education programs could have generative AI functions disabled or be discontinued if they fail to meet the new requirements. The city is also expanding its review of educational technology to consider issues including bias, equity, instructional value, privacy and vendor accountability.
High schools will keep limited AI access
High school students will follow a different model. New York City plans to allow as many as 50,000 general education students to participate in centrally approved AI pilot programs covering areas such as English, mathematics and computer science.
High school students will also receive two 45-minute AI literacy lessons addressing how the technology works, privacy, bias, appropriate use, ethical concerns and its possible effect on careers.
The policy follows several years of changing approaches to AI in city schools. New York restricted ChatGPT on Education Department networks and devices in January 2023, then moved toward experimenting with controlled AI tools and encouraging responsible use.
The new moratorium will give officials another year to evaluate those technologies. A Technology in Schools Coalition made up of students, parents, educators, advocates, and other stakeholders is expected to make recommendations by April 2027 on what should follow the temporary restrictions.
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