New York City Schools Ban Generative AI and Limit Screen
New York City public schools have imposed a one-year moratorium on generative AI and strict daily screen time limits for students in grades 2K through 8
New York City public school students returned to school in September 2023 facing a one-year moratorium on using generative artificial intelligence in grades K-8. The policy, from the nation's largest school district, also enforces strict daily limits on screen time for students. The ban includes chatbots and tutors as forms of generative AI and applies to grades 2K through 8, covering kindergarten through eighth grade.
Strict screen time limits accompany the AI ban
The policy enforces grade-based screen time restrictions alongside the generative AI prohibition. The youngest grades, including pre-K and kindergarten, are to have no screen time. Older students face defined daily caps.
| Grade Level | Daily Screen Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Pre-K & K | None |
| 3 to 5 | 30 minutes |
| 6 to 8 | 45 minutes |
Parents and community voice mixed reactions
Parental reaction to the new rules has been divided. Some, like Manhattan second-grade parent Emily C., strongly support the measures. "I am thrilled they implemented this and honestly wish it were for longer than a year," she said. Another parent, identified only as MT and with children in pre-K and second grade, views the ban as an opportunity to reset screen use expectations in classrooms.
Other parents have raised significant criticisms. Luigi Kapaj, a data engineer, father of three, and PTA co-president, opposes the screen ban. He cited concerns about AI being harmful and unreliable. Kapaj also described an incident where a student used AI on a phone during a test, went undetected, and subsequently received the lowest grade, arguing the technology enables undetected cheating. An unnamed New York City mother criticized the ban as too broad. She argued it harms education by removing helpful tools like Delta Math and hinders access to reference materials in classes like art.
Policy shaped by parent feedback and may influence other districts
The development of the AI and screen time policy was informed by feedback from the NYC School Secrets mailing list, which has over 4,200 members. As the largest school district in the United States enforces these new rules, educators and parents nationwide are watching. Data from New York City’s policy implementation may influence other districts’ future technology policies.
