U.S. Schools Expand AI Restrictions for 2026-27

States and school districts are tightening restrictions on artificial intelligence in K-12 schools as the 2026-27 academic year begins, citing concerns about learning, screen time and safety. New York City has imposed a one-year moratorium on generative AI for students from pre-K through eighth grade, while requiring high school students to complete AI-literacy lessons and allowing limited career-focused and pilot uses. Los Angeles Unified has restricted student access to generative AI on school-issued devices while a committee develops safeguards, though approved tools may remain available to students 13 and older who complete digital-citizenship training. Dozens of states are considering or adopting related legislation, including California laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that establish AI safeguards and auditing requirements. Education experts and officials say the limited long-term research on AI’s effects warrants caution, while acknowledging that the technology could have educational benefits if deployed responsibly.