New York imposes one-year ban on generative AI in public elementary schools

New York City will impose a temporary one-year ban on the use of generative artificial intelligence tools in public elementary schools, city officials announced, blocking classroom access to systems such as ChatGPT that produce text, images and other content.

The restriction covers more than half a million students and their teachers in kindergarten through eighth grade, affecting nearly 600,000 pupils—about two-thirds of students in the city’s public school system. The measure is scheduled to take effect at the start of classes next week.

New rules go beyond AI. Devices such as tablets, laptops and similar equipment will be restricted for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. For children in third to fifth grade, schools are being advised to limit screen time on tablets and laptops to no more than 30 minutes; high school students are advised to have those limits set at 45 minutes.

High school access and exceptions

Access to AI for high school students will be limited rather than fully banned: officials said generative AI might be allowed in certain programs, including literacy initiatives and career and professional certification courses. The policy is framed as temporary while the city considers longer-term rules and safeguards.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed the plan and described it as a pause to allow schools to evaluate risks and set appropriate controls. The restriction is nominally for one year, after which officials say they will reassess how and whether to expand or relax access.

Administrators and parents will now face implementation decisions as the district prepares for the new school year, including how to enforce device restrictions and how to integrate permitted AI uses in specified high-school programs.

Photo: press material from the event