Mamdani expels AI from the classroom for 600,000 students
The new guidelines will block or delete AI from school software used by elementary and middle school students, as well as limits on screen time.
TL;DR
- New York City schools have imposed a one-year ban on generative AI in elementary and middle school classrooms.
- The ban affects about 600,000 students, roughly two-thirds of the city's student population.
- High school students will take two annual AI literacy courses and have access to AI in specific educational contexts.
- Generative AI programs will be blocked or deleted from school software, and AI features will be disabled in approved educational programs.
- Daily screen time limits are set for students: 30 minutes for third through fifth graders and 45 minutes for middle school students.
- The policy will be evaluated after the 2026-2027 school year.
- Teachers are permitted to use AI for lesson planning and operational tasks.
- The AIM Coalition, a parent group, called the restrictions a step in the right direction but noted broad exceptions leave students at risk.