New York City – In a move aimed at protecting children’s learning and preserving parental oversight, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Wednesday that the city’s public‑school system will prohibit all generative AI software for students through eighth grade for the upcoming school year. The one‑year moratorium is part of a broader review of how AI technology is used in classrooms across the nation’s largest school district.
Details of the ban and accompanying measures
The mayor’s office described the policy as the most expansive prohibition of its kind in the United States. It applies to any software that presents AI‑generated content directly to students, including chatbots and writing assistants. While elementary and middle‑school teachers may still use AI for lesson planning and administrative tasks, students themselves will be barred from accessing these tools.
To balance restriction with education, the city will launch twice‑yearly AI‑literacy courses for all public high‑school students. Selected high‑school pilots will allow limited use of a handful of AI platforms under direct educator supervision, giving older students a controlled environment to learn responsible AI use.
Screen‑time recommendations
Alongside the AI ban, the administration will recommend daily screen‑time limits: 30 minutes for grades three through five and 45 minutes for grades six through eight. The guidance is intended to encourage face‑to‑face interaction and reduce the risk of cheating, while still allowing students the benefits of technology in a measured way.
Reactions from educators and advocates
Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, praised the screen‑time caps but warned that the AI policy leaves many unanswered questions. He called for stronger safeguards on any technology the district purchases, urging the Education Department to demand AI‑risk assessments from vendors.
Josh Golin, executive director of the children’s advocacy group Fairplay, said a longer evaluation period would be preferable. “A year to evaluate is not nearly enough time,” he said, adding that AI platforms should first prove they are safe, effective, and do not displace essential face‑to‑face learning.
Context and next steps
At least 37 states have issued official AI guidance for schools, though there is no nationwide consensus on what constitutes AI literacy. New York State recently banned student cell‑phone use in schools, reflecting a broader trend of tightening technology rules in education.
City officials also announced a comprehensive review of all technology tools used district‑wide, with a plan to retire any applications deemed nonessential to learning. The review will run concurrently with the AI moratorium, ensuring that future decisions are informed by a clear understanding of each tool’s educational value.
NYC public‑school students are slated to return to classrooms next week, and the new AI restrictions will take effect at the start of the upcoming academic year. The administration says it will monitor the policy’s impact closely and adjust as needed, keeping parents, teachers, and community leaders informed throughout the process.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
