New York City Public Schools Implement AI Ban and Screen Time Limits for Younger Students
New York City Public Schools has announced a comprehensive policy that includes a one-year ban on student-facing generative AI for students through eighth grade and new age-based screen time guidelines. This decision, impacting nearly 600,000 public school students, prohibits all software where students directly interact with generative AI, including companion chatbots across all grades. For screen time, students in second grade and below will have no one-to-one screen time. Students in grades three to five will have a recommended cap of 30 minutes per day, while grades six to eight will have a recommended cap of 45 minutes per day. Exceptions are made for assistive technology for students with individualized education plans, disabilities, or English Language Learners. High school students will be introduced to limited AI pilots and will receive twice-yearly AI literacy classes focusing on bias, risks, ethical considerations, and AI's impact on careers.