New York City Public Schools, the largest school district in the United States, is imposing a sweeping ban on the use of artificial intelligence for students through the eighth grade in the 2026-27 school year. The ban will cover more than 500,000 students from pre-K (2-K) through grade 8. New York City Public Schools confirmed the move to ABC News.
The ban will take effect as the new school year begins next week.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement that the city is implementing a one-year moratorium on the use of generative AI for students from pre-K, or 2-K, through the eighth grade. During that period, the city will conduct detailed research into the technology’s effects.
“The tech industry wants us to believe that AI-driven early education is not just inevitable, but necessary. We don’t see it that way,” Mamdani said.
New York’s decision comes as calls grow louder for safety rules and formal guidance on AI use in education.
School district officials say it is the most sweeping action against AI use in the United States. Under the policy, AI-based software built for direct student use will be blocked, and AI assistant chatbots will be banned.
The ban will not apply to high school students, however. They will instead receive AI awareness classes twice a year, aimed at teaching students to think critically about the technology so they don’t become overly dependent on it.
New York’s public schools had previously imposed an all-day restriction on student cellphone use during instructional time.
With the new AI policy, city and school district officials are calling on students and teachers to increase communication and build relationships with one another, and to develop creativity, rather than relying on generative AI.
New York City Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said the move will help students rebuild the critical thinking skills they need to succeed in school.
The White House, meanwhile, has taken the opposite position to New York’s decision, favoring responsible use of AI in classrooms. Administration officials believe AI could bring major changes to the education system.