AI Restrictions in New York City Schools

The decision to restrict the use of generative artificial intelligence in New York City public schools has sparked widespread debate.

For the 2026–2027 school year, a one-year moratorium on student use of the technology applies from pre-kindergarten programs through eighth grade, covering more than half a million students. Teachers are also prohibited from using artificial intelligence to grade students’ work, monitor their behavior, or make decisions about their academic progress. However, they may use approved tools to plan lessons and carry out other work-related tasks.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels announced the new policy before the start of the school year. However, in an October 10 article, New York Magazine notes that city officials have yet to present a clear plan for addressing the education system’s many challenges.

Mamdani has emphasized that children’s education should be built on human interaction with teachers, collaboration with peers, and the ability to solve complex problems independently.

“The tech industry wants us to believe that A.I.-powered early education is not only inevitable, but necessary. We do not see it that way,” the mayor said.

The New Policy

During the 2026–2027 school year, the moratorium on generative AI tools applies to students through eighth grade. In high school, students in grades 9–12 may use the technology in limited, supervised ways for approved purposes.

According to the official New York City Public Schools guidance, all high school students must complete two 45-minute AI literacy modules. These are designed to help students understand how the technology works, its capabilities and limitations, the risks of bias and threats to personal data, and how to use artificial intelligence responsibly.

The modules are intended to help students:

Five approved pilot programs are also permitted in high schools, exclusively under teacher supervision and subject to defined time limits. Each student may participate in only one such program.
The policy also includes screen-time guidelines:

Screen use is permitted when a teacher leads activities involving the whole class or small groups.
Exceptions are provided for assistive technology specified in Individualized Education Programs, support needed by students learning English, assessments, remote instruction, and certain approved educational activities, including the use of e-books, robotics, programming, and simulations.
The Smartphone Ban
Since 2025, New York City schools have had a separate rule prohibiting students from using personal internet-enabled devices throughout the school day, from the first bell to the last.
Concerns
Restrictions on artificial intelligence are also being discussed in the broader context of technology safety and oversight.

According to Associated Press, former employees of Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind warned about risks associated with the rapid development of artificial intelligence during a New York City Council hearing and called for stronger oversight of the industry.

Jacob Coxon, a former Anthropic engineer, criticized technology companies’ approach of rapidly developing and deploying systems, warning that their potential risks are not yet fully understood.

The council discussions also raised questions about mandatory disclosure of AI use, independent audits, and protections for employees who report violations.

Evaluating the New Policy

According to the official New York City Public Schools guidance, a “Technology in Schools” coalition to be formed during the 2026–2027 school year will develop recommendations on the use of technology in schools. Its report is expected in April 2027 and will help inform decisions about the approach to be adopted for the 2027–2028 school year.