NEW YORK CITY — New York City is taking one of the strongest positions in the country against classroom use of generative artificial intelligence, announcing a one-year moratorium on student-facing AI tools for children from 2-K through eighth grade.
The policy, which begins during the 2026–2027 school year, will affect nearly 600,000 students across the nation’s largest public school system. The restrictions cover generative AI software, including chatbots and AI-powered educational tools that students directly interact with.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said the year-long pause will give city officials time to examine how AI affects learning and student development before determining how the technology should be used in younger grades.
The move is part of a broader effort to reduce students’ dependence on classroom technology. New screen-time guidelines will also limit daily device use, with recommended caps of 30 minutes for students in grades 3 through 5 and 45 minutes for students in grades 6 through 8.
The city is not completely rejecting artificial intelligence in education. High school students will receive AI literacy instruction, while selected schools will be allowed to participate in supervised pilot programs using approved AI platforms.
Teachers will also retain limited access to AI for certain administrative and lesson-planning tasks, although restrictions apply to using AI for grading and other student-evaluation activities. Exceptions may also apply to assistive technology for students with disabilities and certain specialized educational programs.
City officials say the goal is to make sure technology supports education rather than replacing critical thinking, independent work and human interaction.
The policy makes New York City one of the most restrictive major school systems in the United States when it comes to student-facing generative AI, as educators nationwide continue debating how schools should balance the benefits of emerging technology with concerns about overreliance on digital tools.
