New York City Schools Implement One-Year Moratorium on Generative AI Usage

New York City has prohibited students from pre-K to eighth grade from using generative AI for one year, marking the most extensive policy of its kind in the U.S. The moratorium affects nearly 600000 students, two-thirds of the total enrollment, starting in the 2026-27 school year. All generative AI software is banned, including companion chatbots across all grades, including high school. Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized the need for human connection in education, stating that children require teachers to learn and grow.

During the moratorium, the city will evaluate AI's impacts, taking a cautious approach. Up to 50000 high school students, about 5% of the system, will use approved tools in a maximum of five classes. Tools include Quill for English classes for 15 minutes weekly, Edia for math coaching for 20 minutes, and Intel AI-Ready Schools for one period weekly on projects. High schoolers will also complete two 45-minute AI literacy modules annually, addressing technology, bias, risks, ethics, and career impacts.

Teachers may use AI for lesson planning and operational tasks that meet safety standards, with exceptions for assistive technology for students with disabilities and multilingual learners. Screen time will be limited, with second graders and below facing restricted device use, and recommended caps of 30 minutes daily for grades three to five and 45 minutes for grades six to eight.

All technology tools in city schools will undergo review, with non-essential tools being removed. A new Technology in Schools Coalition will evaluate the moratorium and pilot programs, providing recommendations for future years. Classes will resume on September 10.

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