New York Restricts AI Use, Banning It for Students Through Eighth Grade

New York authorities have decided to ban the use of artificial intelligence in public schools for students through the eighth grade. In high schools, the technology may be used only for specific educational purposes.

Under the new regulation, children up to around 13 years old will not be allowed to use artificial intelligence tools during school activities.

Its use will be restricted in secondary schools and permitted only in specific situations, including lessons on how the technology works.

The measure was introduced following concerns raised by parents and teachers about the impact of artificial intelligence on children’s mental health and cognitive development, as well as its effects on the environment.

The new rules also ban chatbots designed to provide students with virtual companionship or psychological support. Meanwhile, teachers will be allowed to use AI to prepare lessons and draft messages.

The New York City Department of Education advises that screen use during the learning process should not exceed 45 minutes for students in sixth through eighth grade, while 30 minutes is recommended for elementary school students.

The decision is expected to be closely monitored across the United States, as New York administers the country’s largest public education system, attended by more than 900,000 students.