Artificial Intelligence and Screen Time Policy in New York City Schools
New York City is banning student-facing artificial intelligence tools from kindergarten through eighth grade while permitting limited use in high schools.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the new policy regarding artificial intelligence and screen time in schools. While student-facing generative artificial intelligence tools are banned from kindergarten through eighth grade, limited use is approved in high schools, with exemptions introduced for certain special education tools.
Scope of the Artificial Intelligence Ban
The New York City administration has banned student-facing generative artificial intelligence tools, such as chatbots and artificial intelligence-powered tutors, in grades ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade. This ban will remain in effect for at least this academic year.
City officials announced that artificial intelligence features in 38 software programs currently used in schools will be disabled. However, the full list of these products has not yet been shared with the public.
High School Exemptions and Pilot Programs
High schools have greater flexibility regarding artificial intelligence tools, and the use of these tools is permitted in vocational technical education programs.
Five different artificial intelligence pilot programs approved by the city administration are planned to cover a maximum of 50,000 high school students and allow students to perform text analysis.
Screen Time Limitations
Under the new policy, the youngest students from kindergarten through second grade are envisioned not to use individual laptops and similar devices.
Between the third and fifth grades, daily individual device usage time is limited to a maximum of 30 minutes, while the recommended duration for middle schools is set at 45 minutes.
Teachers' Use of Artificial Intelligence
Teachers are permitted to benefit from artificial intelligence tools when planning lessons, translating materials, or drafting communications.
Conversely, teachers are prohibited from using artificial intelligence to grade student assignments, monitor behaviors, develop special education plans, or support mental health work.