New York bans AI use for students till high school, mayor Mamdani says tech must support growth and not impede it

New York City has implemented a one-year ban on the use of artificial intelligence by students in public schools from kindergarten through eighth grade, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Wednesday. The prohibition aims to safeguard children's education and mental well-being, given that the city's school board is the largest in the United States, serving nearly 600,000 pupils.

High school students, typically aged 14 and above, will be permitted to utilize AI in controlled pilot programs, while being offered biannual AI literacy courses. Companion chatbots, designed for emotional support, are prohibited across all grades.

Mayor Mamdani expressed concern that tech companies are pushing for early AI education without regard for children's needs, stating, "Children need teachers and human connection to learn and grow. They should develop skills alongside their peers, form relationships with educators, and confront tough problems independently." Teachers will still be able to employ AI for lesson planning and administrative duties.

Throughout the 2026-2027 academic year, a task force comprising students, teachers, parents, elected officials, and industry experts will evaluate the moratorium's impact and present its findings.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the city's responsibility to ensure that rapidly evolving technology supports children's learning, rather than hindering it. The new regulations followed an earlier framework released in March that permitted AI use for research, exploration, and creative projects, which sparked widespread criticism from parents and educators who deemed the policy too lenient.

Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels acknowledged that the administration had "missed the mark" in their communication and pledged to review the feedback for future rule revisions.