NYC bans AI in schools through grade 8

New York City Public Schools, the largest school district in the United States, is imposing a broad ban on artificial intelligence (AI) use by students from pre-K through eighth grade in the 2026-27 academic year.

The ban will affect more than 500,000 students from 2-K (pre-school) through eighth grade, New York City Public Schools confirmed to ABC News. It will take effect when the new school year begins next week.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement that the city was imposing a one-year moratorium on the use of generative AI by students from 2-K through eighth grade, during which its impact would be studied extensively.

“The technology industry wants us to believe that AI-powered early education is not only inevitable but necessary. We do not see it that way,” Mamdani said.

The decision comes amid growing calls for safety rules and formal guidelines governing the use of AI in education.

School district officials described the move as the broadest action against AI use by students in the United States. It will prohibit AI-powered software designed for direct student use and ban the use of AI assistant chatbots.

The ban will not apply to high school students. Instead, they will receive AI awareness lessons twice a year aimed at teaching them to think critically about the technology and avoid becoming overly dependent on it.

New York City public schools had previously introduced all-day restrictions on students’ use of mobile phones during school hours.

Under the new AI policy, city and school district authorities are encouraging students and teachers to focus on direct communication, building relationships and developing creativity rather than relying on generative AI.

New York City Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said the move would help students rebuild the critical thinking skills they need to successfully complete their education.

The decision contrasts with the White House’s position, which supports responsible use of AI in classrooms. Administration officials believe AI could bring major changes to the education system.