New York City is putting strict limits on AI in public schools, with younger students facing the biggest restrictions. According to a report by New York Times, about 600,000 students, or roughly two-thirds of the city’s public school population, will not be allowed to use AI until they reach high school, while AI use in high school will be limited to specific cases. As per the report, the policy is also placing new limits on digital devices and screen time. No individual screens will be allowed for students until third grade, while middle school students could face a recommended screen-time limit of 45 minutes a day. AI-powered companion chatbots designed to provide emotional or mental support will also be banned across all grades.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani says AI in early education is not necessary
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city does not accept the idea that AI must become part of early education. “The tech industry wants us to believe that A.I.-powered early education is not only inevitable, but necessary. We do not see it that way,” Mamdani said in a statement as quoted in the report. "I am proud to announce New York City's first-ever comprehensive AI policy for our public schools, City Hall's answer to those questions. It is the most comprehensive of its kind anywhere in the country, and it begins with a simple principle: Children need their teachers and human connection in order to learn and in order to grow. And they need to develop skills alongside their peers, build relationships with their teachers, and wrestle with tough problems on their own. The tech industry wants us to believe that AI in early education is not only inevitable but that it is necessary. We do not see it that way. I have yet to see a study showing that AI is beneficial for students in elementary and middle school, with the exception, of course, of research sponsored by the very corporations that stand to profit. So, beginning this school year, we will implement a one-year moratorium on generative AI for students in 2-K through eighth grade," Mamdani said. Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels also said the city would not treat more technology as the same thing as innovation. “We’re putting guardrails in place to protect the critical human connection, curiosity, and creativity that help children grow,” he said.
What New York's AI school rules mean for students
Under the new policy, AI will generally be off limits for elementary and middle school students until they enter high school. High school students will be allowed to use AI in certain situations. The rules also address how teachers can use AI. Teachers will be allowed to use AI for tasks such as creating lesson plans, translating materials and writing messages. However, AI cannot be used to make certain important decisions about students. For example, teachers cannot use AI to decide whether a student should graduate or determine how to counsel a student experiencing a crisis. The rules also include exceptions for some technology. Centrally approved instructional programs, including e-books and coding software, will not be covered by the restrictions. Some testing tools and technology designed to support students with disabilities or those learning English will also be exempt.
New York schools face questions over AI-powered apps
As stated in the NYT report, the policy could also affect educational apps already used in schools, particularly as more software companies add generative AI features to their products. Naveed Hasan, a member of a city education oversight panel, questioned how the rules would work when AI is becoming part of many software products. The city education system has a budget of about $40 billion, giving it significant purchasing power when dealing with technology companies. Hasan said the department could potentially use that influence to push companies to change how their educational apps work.
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