New York City has imposed a one-year moratorium on student use of generative AI in public elementary and middle schools.
The policy covers students from 2-K through eighth grade during the 2026-27 school year. It will affect about 600,000 children in the largest public school system in the United States.
City officials described it as the country’s most restrictive school district policy on classroom AI so far. Los Angeles and other districts continue to review their own rules.
Policy removes AI tools from younger classrooms
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the restrictions at a press conference on Wednesday. He said younger students need direct interaction, independent thinking and stronger relationships with teachers and classmates.
“Children need teachers and human connection in order to learn and grow. They need to develop skills alongside their peers, build relationships with educators and wrestle with tough problems on their own,” Mamdani said.
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Schools will discontinue or disable the AI features of more than 38 previously approved programs. Reuters described the change as affecting about 40 educational tools currently used in classrooms.
New York City Public Schools said the ban specifically targets student-facing generative AI.
The policy maintains access to assistive technology required under students’ Individualized Education Programs or 504 plans. Students with disabilities and English-language learners can continue using other necessary tools.
Limited AI access for high school students
The city will allow high school students to use AI in limited, supervised settings. Five approved pilot programs will operate with defined learning goals.
Officials will limit each student’s participation to one pilot and no more than 45 minutes weekly. Mamdani said the pilots will not introduce ChatGPT, Claude or similar chatbots into the curriculum.
High school students must also complete two 45-minute AI literacy modules. These lessons will cover how AI works, data privacy, bias and appropriate academic uses.
Teachers may continue using approved AI tools for lesson planning, scheduling and other operational work. However, staff cannot use AI for grading, behaviour monitoring, promotion, graduation or placement decisions.
Google, Anthropic and Microsoft did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
Earlier ChatGPT ban gives way to tougher policy
New York City temporarily blocked ChatGPT soon after its 2022 launch. The city later removed that restriction and introduced a custom AI-powered teaching assistant, according to Microsoft.
Microsoft holds a stake in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. The latest policy marks another shift as officials weigh AI literacy against concerns over privacy, bias and independent learning.
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The broader policy also limits routine individual screen use. It recommends a daily maximum of 30 minutes for grades three to five and 45 minutes for grades six to eight.
The city will review the moratorium after one year. Officials plan to consult teachers, parents, students and outside experts before deciding what should change.
Other major school districts will closely watch New York’s year-long experiment.
