New York City is set to implement a ban on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public schools for students up to the eighth grade. This decision comes amid growing concerns from parents and educators about the potential negative impacts of AI on children's mental health and cognitive development. Sources have confirmed that the ban will restrict AI use until students reach high school, which begins in the ninth grade.

The new regulations will allow AI in high school but will limit its application to specific educational purposes, such as teaching students about the technology itself. This means that while high school students may engage with AI, it will not be used for general learning or support purposes. Reports indicate that AI “companion chatbots,” which offer psychological support, will also be prohibited under the new rules.

The announcement of these regulations is expected to be made public soon, as the city’s education department prepares to outline the new guidelines. In the meantime, teachers will still be permitted to utilize AI for administrative tasks, including lesson preparation and communication with parents.

Concerns regarding AI in education have been mounting, leading to this significant policy shift. The city’s education department previously recommended limiting screen time for middle school students to 45 minutes per class and 30 minutes for elementary students. However, the challenge remains in effectively monitoring AI usage, particularly since many interactions may occur outside the school environment.

This ban follows a framework introduced earlier in the year, which had allowed for more lenient use of AI in schools. The initial guidelines sparked backlash from parents and teachers who felt that the proposed measures were too permissive. In response to the criticism, Kamar Samuels, the city’s schools chancellor, acknowledged that communication had not met expectations and promised to consider parental feedback in the development of future policies.

To further refine the AI policy, the education department plans to establish a task force comprising teachers, elected officials, experts, and union representatives. This group is expected to produce a report by April that will inform New York's comprehensive approach to AI in schools. As the largest school district in the United States, with over 900,000 students enrolled for the 2024–2025 academic year, New York City’s policies are likely to influence educational practices nationwide.