New York City has announced a one-year ban on the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms for elementary and middle school students in its public school system, which is the largest in the United States. The ban will affect approximately 600,000 students and will end the use of 40 different educational tools. However, teachers will still be permitted to use AI technology for lesson planning.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated during a news conference that children need human connection and interaction to learn effectively. He expressed skepticism about the tech industry's claims that AI is necessary for early education. The city plans to study the impact of this policy on students over the next year and will also launch a pilot program in high schools for a limited number of students.
Among the tools being tested in high schools will be the maths AI platform Edia, which will offer step-by-step coaching for students, limited to 20 minutes per week. Another tool, Quill, will be used in English language arts courses for 15 minutes each week.
Adin Lenchner, founder of Carroll Street Campaigns, commented that the mayor's decision reflects a desire to prioritize students' needs over corporate interests. The policy also includes staggered screen-time restrictions, limiting use to less than 45 minutes per day through eighth grade, and bans companion chatbots through high school.
This ban comes at a time when New York City’s public schools have seen a decline in reading proficiency scores, which dropped by 6 percent in 2025 for students in grades 3 through 8. Experts suggest that the city's decision could influence how other school districts approach AI in education. Margeret Murry, an associate professor at the University of Michigan, noted that while the ban sends a strong message, the lack of clarity on enforcement mechanisms raises questions about its effectiveness.
Reports indicate that AI use in children's education may negatively affect cognitive development. A review by the Brookings Institution concluded that the drawbacks of generative AI in classrooms outweigh the benefits, although it acknowledged that careful implementation could enhance learning outcomes. Shaleen Title, an attorney and adjunct professor, praised the mayor's decision as a shift towards ensuring that educational technology is proven safe before use.
Concerns have been raised about a phenomenon termed 'digitally induced amnesia,' where students struggle to recall basic information due to reliance on AI. A report from the College Board indicated that 84 percent of faculty believe AI diminishes students' critical-thinking skills. Additionally, educators have observed that students today are less capable of managing reading and writing tasks compared to a decade ago.
While the city can regulate AI use in schools, controlling its use at home presents challenges. New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels acknowledged that AI usage has been an ongoing issue and emphasized the need for limitations. The policy will allow exceptions for students with disabilities and multilingual learners, as well as in career readiness programs.
Students will also have access to two annual AI literacy courses to help them understand the technology and the ethical issues associated with its use.