NYC Mayor Mamdani announces restrictions on the use of gen AI for school students from 2 K to Class 8: Here's why

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has introduced a one-year ban on generative artificial intelligence (AI) for public school students from kindergarten through 8th grade. Roughly 600,000 students, or two-thirds of the district's enrollment, will be affected by this new policy. The moratorium aims to protect students' critical thinking abilities and teacher-student relationships while the district evaluates the impact of AI on education.

As part of the one-year moratorium, more than 38 previously approved AI programs will either be discontinued or disabled. The new policy also includes twice-yearly AI critical-thinking modules for high school students, limited AI pilot programs in a few high school classrooms, and age-appropriate screen-time restrictions. Additionally, a Technology in Schools Coalition will be formed to assess the moratorium's impact and recommend future changes.

Teachers will still be able to use AI for lesson planning and other operational tasks, but they will not be permitted to use it for grading or student assessments. This decision follows similar restrictions in other parts of the United States, such as the Los Angeles Unified School District's recent screen time policies and New York state's ban on personal phone use during school hours.

Mamdani's decision is described as the "most expansive" set of restrictions on AI in schools in the country. He emphasized the importance of human connection, critical thinking, and face-to-face learning for students. The mayor stated that while AI may be inevitable, it is not necessarily necessary for early education. The city previously banned the use of the AI chatbot ChatGPT from school devices and networks in 2023, but later reversed the decision.

New York State has been at the forefront of regulating AI in education, with Governor Kathy Hochul supporting Mamdani's efforts. She emphasized the importance of ensuring technology supports children's learning without getting in the way. The announcement has been welcomed by officials from other districts, highlighting the growing concern over the potential risks AI may pose to student development and safety.