NYC Public Schools Ban AI Use for Students Up to Eighth Grade, Restrict Digital Devices

New AI and Device Restrictions in NYC Schools

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a new policy for public schools that will ban younger students from using AI in classrooms. This one-year moratorium, effective for the 2026-2027 school year, will affect about 600,000 public school students from 2-K through eighth grade. The policy also includes additional limits on digital devices and a small pilot program for AI education tools.

Scope of the Ban and Teacher Guidelines

The new rules from NYC’s Department of Education prohibit teachers from using AI tools to grade assignments and prevent students from using AI technology in the classroom until they reach high school. Companion chatbots, including those designed for companionship and mental support, are banned across all grades. High school students will only be permitted to use AI in specific instances and will receive AI literacy classes twice a year to foster critical thinking.

Emphasis on Human Connection and Screen Time Limits

Mayor Mamdani stated that children require teachers and human connection for learning and growth, emphasizing the development of skills alongside peers and educators. The policy also bans individual screen use until third grade and recommends daily screen time limits, such as a maximum of 45 minutes for middle schoolers. Exceptions for AI use may be granted for students with disabilities, multilingual students, or specific computer science programs.

Limited AI Pilot Program

A "limited AI pilot" program will be offered in up to five classes within a small number of high school classrooms. This program will use vetted tools that meet safety and data privacy standards, focusing on keeping students as the primary thinkers. Piloted tools include Quill for English language support, Edia for math, Brisk Teaching for study practice, and Playlab and Intel AI-Ready Schools for multi-subject support, all with set time limits for usage.