NYC Mayor Mamdani announces restrictions on the use of gen AI for school students from 2 K to Class 8: Here's why

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday (local time) announced a one-year moratorium on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) for public school students from 2K through eighth grade.

The decision will affect roughly 600,000 public school students, or roughly two-thirds of the system's total enrollment. This comes at a time when AI is evolving rapidly, with companies investing hundreds of billions in its growth, while our reliance on the technology in everyday life is also increasing.

Announcing the moratorium, Mamdani said the district will “discontinue or disable the AI components of more than 38 previously allowed programs that do not meet our new safety and oversight standards," CNN reported.

Why is NYC curbing use of AI in classrooms? What will the policy include?

He announced the latest policy along with Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, stating that it aims to protect students' critical thinking abilities, along with the relationships between students and teachers.

The one-year moratorium, which will take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, is part of a broader effort to curb the use of classroom technology in America’s largest school district. The policy will also introduce twice-yearly AI critical-thinking modules for high school students, limited AI pilot programmes in a small number of high school classrooms, and age-appropriate screen-time restrictions.

Additionally, under the latest policy announced Wednesday, a new Technology in Schools Coalition comprising educators, parents, students and others will be formed to evaluate the moratorium's impact and make recommendations for future school years accordingly.

While teachers will be allowed to use the technology to plan their lessons and perform other "operational tasks," they won't be allowed to use it for grading or student assessments.

Several communities across the US call for stricter norms

Mamdani’s decision comes as several communities across the United States have also called for stricter curbs on both screen time and the use of AI, amid growing concerns that the latest technology could hinder students' learning and development while posing safety risks.

Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Unified School District introduced sweeping restrictions on the use of screens in classrooms, while New York state had already prohibited students from using personal phones during school hours. However, Mamdani’s office described Wednesday’s move as the country’s “most expansive” set of restrictions on AI use in schools.

New York City has also previously taken steps to restrict AI use in schools. In 2023, the city's education department banned the AI chatbot ChatGPT from school devices and networks, but reversed course months later.

NYC mayor, governor react to AI restrictions in schools

The NYC mayor said, "Children need teachers and human connection in order to learn and grow. They need to develop skills alongside their peers, build relationships with educators and wrestle with tough problems on their own." He added, "The tech industry wants us to believe that A.I.-powered early education is not only inevitable, but necessary. We do not see it that way. That’s why we’re implementing a moratorium on generative AI for students in 2-K through 8th grade and spending the next year studying the impacts of this technology.”

Reacting to the announcement, Governor Kathy Hochul said, "We have a responsibility to ensure that rapidly-changing technology supports our children and their learning, rather than getting in the way of it," and added, "New York State has been leading the way in our efforts to keep kids focused on learning and growing — not clicking and scrolling — and I commend Mayor Mamdani for building on this work and pushing our shared commitment to supporting New York’s kids forward.”