The policy affects around 600,000 public school students through eighth grade. Under the new rules, schools will suspend the use of about 40 educational AI tools currently available in classrooms.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the measure on Wednesday. He said students need teachers, human interaction and opportunities to solve difficult problems independently.

“Children need teachers and human connection in order to learn and grow,” Mamdani said.

He added that students also need to develop skills with classmates and build relationships with educators.

However, the restrictions will not apply to all students. High school students will still be allowed to use AI in certain circumstances.

Teachers Can Still Use AI

While students face tighter restrictions, teachers will retain access to artificial intelligence tools for several administrative and educational tasks.

According to the city, educators can use AI for lesson planning, scheduling and other approved duties.

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The decision comes as school districts across the United States continue to develop policies for rapidly advancing AI technology. Los Angeles and other major districts are also reviewing their approaches.

As a result, New York’s decision could influence how other school systems balance educational technology with concerns about student learning and human interaction.

New York Previously Restricted ChatGPT

New York City public schools previously introduced a temporary restriction on ChatGPT shortly after the AI chatbot launched in 2022.

That restriction was eventually lifted. The school system later moved toward a more controlled approach to artificial intelligence.

Microsoft, which has a partnership with OpenAI, said the district subsequently adopted a custom AI-powered teaching assistant.

Meanwhile, major AI companies Google, Anthropic and Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the latest policy.

The one-year moratorium gives New York officials time to reassess how artificial intelligence should be used in classrooms. Ultimately, the city will face the challenge of creating rules that protect traditional learning while allowing schools to benefit from emerging technology.