New York City moves to restrict AI use in schools

New York City is set to impose a broad ban on student use of artificial intelligence tools in public schools up to the eighth grade, following growing concerns from parents and educators about the technology’s impact on children.

Under the new policy, students would generally be prohibited from using AI in kindergarten through eighth grade, according to a source familiar with the decision who spoke to AFP on Wednesday.

AI would remain available to high school students, beginning in ninth grade, but its use would be restricted to specific educational purposes, including learning about artificial intelligence and how the technology works.

The policy is also expected to prohibit students from using AI-powered “companion chatbots” designed to provide emotional or psychological support, according to reports by The New York Times.

Teachers, however, would still be permitted to use AI for certain professional tasks, including lesson preparation and drafting communications.

The planned restrictions come after parents and teachers raised concerns about the possible effects of AI on children’s cognitive development and mental wellbeing, as well as the environmental costs associated with the technology.

Another challenge facing the education authorities is enforcement, particularly because students can access AI tools outside school.

The city’s Education Department currently recommends that middle school students in grades six to eight spend no more than 45 minutes on screens during class, while elementary school pupils are advised to have a 30-minute limit.

The latest policy follows a framework released by the city in March that used a traffic-light system to classify acceptable uses of AI by students.

That framework permitted AI use for activities such as research, exploration and creative projects but drew criticism from parents and teachers who considered the approach too permissive.

Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels subsequently acknowledged that the city had “missed the mark” in communicating the policy and said feedback from parents would be considered in developing the next set of rules.

The Education Department had earlier indicated that the March framework would be followed by a more detailed guidebook incorporating feedback from families and educators.

As part of the process, the department is expected to establish a task force comprising teachers, elected officials, technology experts and representatives of education unions.

The panel is expected to submit a report in April that will help shape the city’s longer-term policy on AI in schools.

New York City’s approach is likely to attract national attention because its public school system is the largest in the United States, with more than 900,000 students enrolled during the 2024–2025 academic year.

(AFP)