The use of software powered by generative AI during lessons by elementary and middle school students in New York public schools has been temporarily banned for the 2026–2027 academic year under a regulation announced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The decision will apply to New York public schools, described as the largest school district in the country. The restriction covers all software that uses student-focused generative AI.
Screen time will vary by grade
The new rules will limit daily screen time to 30 minutes for students in grades 3 through 5 and 45 minutes for students in grades 6 through 8. Assistant chatbots will not be used in any grade.
Mamdani said schools teach children to ask questions, challenge assumptions, develop suggestions, conduct research and establish cause-and-effect relationships. The mayor said AI education should follow the same inquisitive approach.
Technology tools to be reevaluated
All technology tools used in the school system will be reviewed under the regulation. Some tools deemed unnecessary will be removed from use.
New York state had also banned students from using mobile phones in schools during the previous academic year.