NYC Bans Generative AI for Elementary, Middle School Students

New York City has imposed a one-year moratorium on student use of generative artificial intelligence in elementary and middle schools, a policy that will affect nearly 600,000 public school students beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels announced the restriction on Wednesday, describing it as a deliberate pause to protect young learners while officials study the technology's impact. The policy bars students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade from using generative AI tools, including chatbots and AI tutors. It also prohibits companion chatbots designed for emotional support across all grade levels. High school students will not face a total ban but will instead receive two 45-minute AI literacy modules each year covering the technology's functions, biases, and ethical risks. A limited pilot program, capped at about 50,000 high school students, will allow supervised use of vetted tools in select classrooms. "Children need teachers and human connection in order to learn and grow," Mayor Mamdani said.