NYC Department of Education Announces One-Year Ban on Generative AI for Students from Age 2 through Middle School

The ban applies to children and students from age 2 through 8th grade (ages 13-14) and will be implemented for one year starting from the 2026-2027 academic year.

Under this measure, the use of all generative AI software and AI chatbots provided to students will be prohibited. According to Mayor Mamdani, AI features will be suspended or disabled in approximately 40 types of educational tools currently used in schools.

This affects approximately 600,000 students attending public schools. However, students with disabilities and English language learners will still be permitted to use AI.

Meanwhile, high school students will participate in AI literacy courses twice a year to cultivate critical thinking skills. Additionally, a limited AI pilot program is planned for select high school classrooms, targeting up to 50,000 students.

The Department of Education will also introduce age-appropriate screen time limits. However, these limits will not apply to assignments involving e-books, programming, or simulations.