New York City Bans Generative AI for K-8 Students for One Year

The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest public school system in the US, has been navigating how generative AI fits into classrooms, homework and digital-literacy programs. The technology raises concerns over student privacy, cheating and unsafe content, but restricting access may also widen inequities by disadvantaging children who lack personal devices or paid AI services at home.

LAUSD has suspended access to generative AI on district-issued devices for students across all grades, affecting about 378,000 children. Teachers and other staff may continue using the technology, and employee training remains in place. Administrators imposed the restriction without a prior vote by the district’s Board of Education, with some board members reportedly unaware of the decision beforehand, prompting debate over transparency, student protection and the digital divide.

Generative AI’s rapid spread into classrooms has fueled concern that students may become overly reliant on automated tools at the expense of independent thinking and social development. New York City’s move draws a firm boundary for younger pupils and extends oversight to educators, reflecting a broader debate among school systems over how artificial intelligence should be used in instruction, homework and assessment.

Mayor Mamdani announced a one-year moratorium on generative AI for New York City public-school students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. The policy is expected to affect about 600,000 students and will also bar teachers from using AI tools to grade assignments. Additional restrictions will apply to digital devices, while students will be permitted to use AI once they reach high school.