New York City has implemented a ban on artificial intelligence for students in its public schools for the upcoming academic year. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the moratorium, which he stated is the most extensive in the country, affecting approximately 600,000 students from the "2K" childcare program through eighth grade.
While a full ban will be in effect for younger students, a select group of 50,000 high school students will be permitted to participate in five limited pilot programs. These programs will operate under strict screen time maximums and will be supervised by teachers. The goal of these pilot programs is to allow for structured exploration of AI tools while ensuring students develop critical thinking skills.
AI Literacy and Exemptions
Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels emphasized that the restriction is intended to ensure that AI tools aid, rather than hinder, student learning and development. He stated that the ban is designed to protect students' ability to think critically without overreliance on technology.
AI literacy training, consisting of 45-minute modules completed twice a year, will be mandatory for high school students participating in the pilot programs. This training will address the risks of misinformation and the importance of independent thought.
Exemptions to the ban will also be made for students with disabilities, English as a Second Language learners, and those in career readiness programs, such as computer science. The pilot programs include platforms like Quill for English, Edia for Math, Brisk Teaching, Playlab, and Intel's AI-Ready Schools, each with specific, capped screen time allowances.
Screen Time Policies and AI Functionality
Alongside the AI moratorium, new screen time policies were announced. Students in grades kindergarten through second grade will not be required to use electronic devices for lessons. Recommended screen time limits are 30 minutes per week for grades three through five and 45 minutes per week for grades six through eight.
The city's Department of Education will also disable AI functionality in nearly 40 of its existing services. Companies whose products cannot have their AI features deactivated will face removal from the school system's offerings.
Broader Implications and State Response
Governor Kathy Hochul described the city's restrictions as a "bold move" and pointed to the state's recent cellphone ban in schools as a measure that has positively impacted student well-being and academic focus. While New York State is considering similar AI bans, discussions are reportedly in the early stages.
State Sen. Andrew Gounardes has introduced legislation that would establish screen-free learning environments for younger students and a shared computer cart model for older students. His proposed bill also includes provisions for parental opt-outs from assignment-based screen time and would remove AI from school-issued laptops, advocating for a "right to analog learning."
A newly formed group, the Technology in Schools Coalition, comprising students, educators, officials, and experts, is set to convene throughout the year. This coalition will produce a report with recommendations for future AI usage levels in schools.