NYC to ban student AI tools in 2-K through 8th grade and limit classroom screen time

New York City officials are set to announce a ban on student AI tools for kindergarten through eighth grade, along with restrictions on classroom screen time, according to sources. The policy, which is expected to be released on Wednesday, would prohibit the use of generative AI, such as chatbots and AI tutors, for the youngest students in the city's public school system.

Younger children would not be allowed individual devices, though smart boards would still be permitted in classrooms. For middle school students, screen time on individual devices would be limited to 30 minutes for third graders and 45 minutes for grades five and six. High schoolers would have more lenient restrictions, with potential use of AI in literacy, career, and certification programs, as well as in five pilot programs at various schools.

The restrictions on AI and screen time in classrooms are expected to be more stringent than any previous measures taken by the city. The Education Department is currently forming a task force to provide input on the implementation of the policy. Some exceptions to the policy may be made for regular assessments in reading and math, as well as for certain student groups, including English language learners and students with disabilities.

The initial guidelines released in March sparked widespread criticism, leading to a delay in the implementation and a more conservative approach in the final policy. The city had initially used a traffic-light framework to categorize the risk levels of different AI uses in the classroom, but the focus on student AI use was limited.

The backlash from parents and educators, including over half of the City Council members, prompted Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels to call for a pause in software purchases and a more cautious approach in the final policy.