NYC Implements One-Year Ban on Generative AI in Public Schools Through Eighth Grade
New York City is moving to restrict generative AI use in its public schools. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a new policy today that will bar younger schoolchildren from using AI in classrooms, implementing a one-year moratorium that takes effect in the 2026-2027 school year.
The ban covers approximately 600,000 students enrolled in 2-K programs through eighth grade across the city's public schools. Under the new rules, teachers will be prohibited from using AI tools to grade assignments, and students will be restricted from using the technology in classroom settings until they reach high school.
The policy is being introduced alongside additional limits on digital devices in schools. As part of the announcement, city officials also revealed a small pilot program for AI education tools, suggesting the moratorium may be followed by a more structured approach to integrating the technology into curriculum as it matures.
The one-year pause is framed as a opportunity to evaluate the risks and benefits of generative AI in educational settings, allowing policymakers and educators to develop guidelines based on emerging research and best practices.