New York restricts AI use in public schools for students 14 and under

New York is significantly restricting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public schools. Starting with the beginning of the school year next week, elementary and middle school students up to the age of 14 will no longer be allowed to use AI applications, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced. According to the New York Times, this affects around 600,000 students.

"The tech industry wants us to believe that AI in early education is not only inevitable, but even necessary," Mamdani said. "We see it differently." According to Mamdani, the AI ban applies for one year for now. A coalition of parents and educators (AIM) had even demanded a two-year moratorium.

Tackling difficult problems independently

Mamdani said that given the rapid development of so-called generative AI, it is a matter of "shaping the future correctly." A six-year-old child is "too young to chop an onion, fry an egg, or safely use a stove," he added. "The same principle applies to AI."

The head of New York City public schools, Kamar Samuels, said that for younger children, the city is relying on proven principles such as "human interaction, play, discussion, creativity, and the opportunity to tackle difficult problems themselves instead of outsourcing them to a machine."

AI skills for older students

Older students could use generative AI—however, under the guidance of teachers. Under the new rules, the use of digital devices is also to be significantly restricted. A daily cap of 30 minutes is recommended for younger students, and 45 minutes for older ones.