New York City Bans AI Use in Public Schools for One Year

Authorities in New York City have imposed a one-year ban on students’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public elementary and middle schools. As part of efforts to establish proper guidelines for the use of emerging technology in classrooms, the largest school district in the United States has adopted one of the strictest policies of its kind.

At a press conference, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the new decision would temporarily suspend the use of around 40 AI-powered educational software programs and apps currently used in the city’s classrooms.

He noted that direct human interaction with teachers and classmates is most important for children’s proper growth and learning. Students’ primary goal should be to develop their skills through interaction with peers, build positive relationships with teachers, and try to solve complex problems using their own intelligence when faced with challenges.

Under the new policy, approximately 600,000 public-school students through eighth grade will be directly restricted from using AI. However, high school students will be allowed to use AI technology under certain conditions in specific cases. Teachers, meanwhile, will continue to be allowed to use AI as before to assist with lesson planning, class schedules, and administrative tasks.

It is worth noting that New York City first temporarily banned ChatGPT shortly after it was launched in 2022. The order was later lifted, and specialized educational technology was introduced for use in schools.

However, the city has now decided on this comprehensive pause in an effort to reduce students’ excessive dependence on technology and maintain the quality of traditional education.

//DBTech/BMT/OR//