NYC Plans AI Ban for K–8 Students

New York City public schools will ban AI use for students from kindergarten through eighth grade, with access resuming only in high school for approved educational activities. The policy also bans AI-powered companion chatbots and limits teachers to using AI for tasks such as lesson planning and communications, while not permitting AI to grade or decide student outcomes. The changes follow ongoing concerns about mental health, development, independence, and screen time, with middle school limits around 45 minutes and elementary schools at about 30 minutes per day. Officials have faced criticism of earlier guidance and say they will continue to refine the policy, with input from parents, teachers, and experts guiding a forthcoming framework. Some exemptions will apply for standardized tests, tools aiding students with disabilities, English learners, and centrally approved instructional programs. The announcements come as several reports indicate a broad, phased approach to implementing AI restrictions across grade levels as the school year begins.