RismadarVoice Reporters
September 2, 2026
New York City has introduced a one-year ban on the use of student-facing generative artificial intelligence tools for pupils from preschool through eighth grade, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani saying children need teachers and human interaction to properly learn and develop.
The policy, which takes effect during the 2026-2027 school year, affects nearly 600,000 students in the city’s public school system and has been described by officials as one of the broadest restrictions on artificial intelligence use in schools in the United States.
Mamdani said the decision was aimed at protecting critical thinking, creativity and relationships between students and educators, arguing that technology should support learning rather than replace human connections in classrooms.
Under the new rules, students in 2-K through eighth grade will not be allowed to use software powered by generative AI, including AI tools designed to interact directly with students. Companion chatbots will also remain prohibited across all grade levels.
The city will allow limited AI pilot programmes for selected high school classrooms, while older students will receive AI literacy lessons focused on understanding the technology, its risks, ethical concerns and possible applications.
Teachers will still be permitted to use approved AI tools for instructional planning and administrative tasks, but restrictions will apply to certain uses, including grading assignments.
Officials said exceptions would be considered for students with disabilities, multilingual learners and some career-readiness programmes. A coalition of educators, parents, students and technology experts will review the policy during the school year and provide recommendations for future AI use in schools.
The move comes as education systems across the United States continue to debate how to balance the benefits of artificial intelligence with concerns over student dependence, academic integrity and the impact of technology on learning.
