In New York, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by public school students will be banned through ninth grade, a source close to the matter said on Wednesday, confirming reports from several local media outlets.
The mayor’s office and the New York City Department of Education have not yet responded to journalists’ requests. AI use will be permitted only starting in high school, which in the U.S. system begins in ninth grade, and will be limited to specific areas such as studying the technology itself or participating in pilot programs.
According to the New York Times, chatbots marketed as AI companions for psychological support will also be prohibited. At the same time, questions remain about enforcing the ban, as students often use AI outside of school and in their private lives.
The rules state that teachers may use AI in their work—for lesson planning or drafting messages. The Department of Education also recommends limiting screen time: up to 45 minutes per class for middle‑school students and up to 30 minutes for elementary‑school students.
New rules and previous document
The new rules are expected to be officially presented this Wednesday. They follow an initial document published in March that was deemed insufficiently restrictive, sparking outrage among many parents and teachers.
The previous document allowed New York public school students to use AI for «research, learning, and creative projects». After a wave of discontent, New York City public schools chief Kamar Samuels said authorities had «missed the moment» in their communication and assured that his services were «very carefully examining» the possibility of stricter rules for AI use by younger students.
It was always intended that a more comprehensive «booklet» would be published later this year, incorporating feedback received during public consultations.
Impact and future policy
New York’s public school technology guidelines are closely watched in other parts of the United States and beyond, as it is by far the largest public school system in the country. In the 2024–2025 school year, it enrolled just over 900,000 students.
The Department of Education will establish a working group comprising teachers, selected government representatives, experts, and union representatives. The group is tasked with preparing a report by April 2027, which will serve as the basis for shaping New York’s policy on AI use in schools.
Source: Le Parisien
