New York City public schools ban AI tools and limit screen time for one year for preschool through middle school students

(New York = Yonhap News) Correspondent Kim Yeon-sook = New York City Public Schools, the largest school district in the United States, has decided to ban the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom by elementary and middle school students starting from the new semester for a year and limit screen time (time spent using electronic devices).

New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani and New York City Superintendent of Education Qamar Samuels announced a policy on the use of AI and electronic devices in schools on the 2nd (local time) ahead of the start of school on the 10th.

The target audience is from 2-K to 8th grade. By Korean standards, it corresponds to the education curriculum for children aged 2 years, elementary school, and middle school.

New York City will completely ban the use of generative AI software used by these students for one year starting from the 2026-2027 school year. Additionally, 'companion chatbots' for students (AI chatbots that help students learn by conversing with them) will no longer be available.

It is estimated that this policy will affect approximately two-thirds of New York City public school students, or approximately 600,000 students.

Students’ screen time is also limited. One-to-one use of digital devices is restricted for students in grades 2 and below, and a cap of screen time of 30 minutes per day for grades 3 to 5, and 45 minutes per day for grades 6 to 8 is recommended.

However, exceptions apply to programs for career preparation, such as disabled students, multilingual learners, and computer science.

New York City explained that this measure is intended to prioritize student safety and human interaction between students and teachers.

“Children need human relationships with their teachers to learn and grow,” Mayor Mamdani said, adding that he would look into the impact of AI on students’ learning and development over the next year.

After implementing this measure, New York City plans to form a consultative body with teachers, parents, and experts to evaluate the impact of this restriction on the use of AI in schools.

This policy came amid a growing movement among American parents across the country against the excessive use of technology and provision of electronic devices in schools.

Last May, the U.S. National Surgeon General warned of the health risks posed by excessive screen use among children and adolescents.

Previously, the Los Angeles (LA) Unified School District announced similar measures restricting the use of electronic devices such as smartphones in schools.