New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a one-year ban on generative AI tools in public schools for students through eighth grade, effective during the 2026-2027 school year and impacting roughly 600,000 students. "This moratorium is a commitment to getting the future right," Mamdani said, emphasizing the need to protect "human connection" and prioritize problem-solving and social skills developed through teachers and peers rather than chatbots. Governor Kathy Hochul supported the move, stating New York leads efforts to keep kids focused on learning.

High schools are exempt; select classrooms will participate in closely monitored AI pilot programs, and all high schoolers will receive twice-yearly critical thinking lessons on AI. Teachers may use generative AI for lesson planning and administrative tasks if tools meet safety standards. Exceptions exist for assistive technology for students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and career readiness programs.

The policy also introduces non-binding screen time guidelines: 30 minutes daily for elementary students and 45 minutes for middle schoolers. The ban follows pressure from parents, advocacy groups, and over half of City Council members. United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew called AI a "dangerous thing" citing parental alarm. Similar restrictions exist in Norway and Italy, while the U.S. Congress debates age-verification requirements amid $41.8 million in tech lobbying in the first half of 2026.