America's largest public school system bans AI

Public school students, from kindergarten through junior high, are prohibited from using generative artificial intelligence (gen AI), while teachers are forbidden from using it to grade student assignments.

The New York City Department of Education, America's largest school system, issued the ban on 2/9. This is considered one of the strictest AI policies in schools, according to The Washington Post.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that the city would disable AI features in over 38 technology platforms previously used by students. Any software unable to remove this feature will be completely discontinued.

The ban is expected to last for one year, after which it may be extended or adjusted based on actual outcomes.

"Children need to learn to think for themselves, work with friends, ask good questions, and become comfortable with not knowing the answer beforehand," Mayor Mamdani said at a press conference. He also emphasized that these regulations help maintain direct interaction between teachers and students, bringing long-term benefits to both sides.

High school students (grades 9-12) can still access some AI applications, but with limitations and through vetted courses on "critical thinking in the age of AI." However, popular chatbot tools like ChatGPT and Claude will be completely blocked at all grade levels.

The city also set specific daily screen time limits for each grade level: a maximum of 30 minutes for students from grade 3 to grade 5, and 45 minutes for students from grade 6 to grade 8.

Teachers are permitted to use AI for preparing lesson plans and handling operational tasks, but not for grading or evaluating students.

Previously, many communities in the US had called for stricter controls on screen time and AI tools, according to CNN. They worried that technology could hinder children's cognitive development and learning abilities or pose safety risks. Despite these concerns, AI companies continue to release numerous educational support tools and fund teacher unions to develop training programs on this technology.

This is not the first time New York has taken steps to control AI and technology in schools. In 2023, the city's education department banned ChatGPT on school devices and internal networks, but reversed the decision after a few months. Last year, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul banned mobile phones in public schools statewide.

Kamar Samuels, Director of the City Department of Education, acknowledged that the biggest challenge is preventing students from using AI for homework. He urged parents to cooperate with teachers in monitoring their children.

"The tech industry wants us to believe that introducing AI into education early is inevitable and necessary. But we do not see it that way," he said.