New York City bans AI tools from public schools through eighth grade

Sep 7, 2026

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Department of Education have announced a sweeping ban on generative AI tools for public school students through eighth grade for the 2026-2027 school year. Affecting 600,000 students, the policy also bans individual screens until third grade and prohibits AI grading by teachers. While high schools will run monitored AI pilots, advocacy groups like Parents for AI Caution argue the rules are too weak and lobbied for a full two-year moratorium.

NYC eighth grade AI ban

▪The New York City generative artificial intelligence ban affects approximately 600,000 elementary and middle school students, representing about two-thirds of the public school system's total enrollment
▪New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Department of Education announced a one-year ban on generative artificial intelligence tools in public schools for students through eighth grade, effective for the 2026-2027 school year
▪A task force comprising educators, parents, elected officials, and union representatives will study the impact of artificial intelligence on children and deliver a report by April 2027 to guide future school policies

Parental advocacy group concerns

▪Some parent groups expressed disappointment with the new guidelines, advocating instead for a full two-year moratorium on artificial intelligence in classrooms to prevent students from experiencing cognitive surrender
▪United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew stated that parents are increasingly upset and protective of their children due to negative stories surrounding artificial intelligence
▪Advocacy groups, including Parents for AI Caution, and more than half of the New York City Council members urged the Mayor and the Department of Education to halt expanded classroom artificial intelligence use

High school AI pilot programs

▪All New York City high school students will receive twice-yearly lessons designed to foster critical thinking about artificial intelligence before they begin relying on the technology
▪New York City high schools are exempt from the ban, and selected classrooms will participate in closely monitored artificial intelligence pilot programs during the 2026-2027 school year

Screen time daily caps

▪The New York City Department of Education policy recommends daily screen time caps of 30 minutes for elementary school students and 45 minutes for middle schoolers
▪The technology policy prohibits individual screens for New York City public school students until they reach the third grade

Teacher administrative AI usage

▪New York City public school teachers are permitted to use generative artificial intelligence for lesson planning and administrative tasks, provided the tools comply with school safety standards
▪The Department of Education policy prohibits New York City public school teachers from using artificial intelligence tools to grade student assignments

Companion chatbot prohibition

▪The New York City Department of Education policy bans companion chatbots, which offer emotional and mental support, across all public school grade levels
▪Exceptions to the artificial intelligence restrictions will be made for assistive technology used by students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and career readiness programs