Mamdani against technology: New York to ban the use of AI in elementary schools

The New York City municipality is opening a front against technology. Ahead of the start of the new school year, which begins next week, the city has tightened regulations regarding the use of technology in lower grades.

According to a report in the New York Times, elementary school students will be prohibited from using artificial intelligence, and the use of personal screens will not be allowed until the third grade. Furthermore, teachers will not be permitted to use AI to grade assignments and exams or to consult on how to help a student in distress.

The city's Department of Education will officially unveil the new policy today (Wednesday), which will apply to the city's public schools. According to the new rules, the use of AI will be allowed only for high school students. This means that about 600,000 students, who make up two-thirds of all students in the New York public school system, will not be able to use AI in their studies. The use of technology will be limited in high schools, but there will be no sweeping ban.

The municipal Department of Education also recommends limiting screen time for middle school students to 45 minutes a day and prohibits the use of chatbots that offer emotional and mental support.

"Young students need direct learning, social interaction, games, and guidance from teachers. Routine use of personal screens may harm these experiences," stated the Department of Education in a statement.

However, the rules will not apply to approved learning tools such as e-books and coding software. Furthermore, they do not apply to tools that help students with learning disabilities.

"The tech industry wants us to believe that early education based on AI is not only inevitable but essential. We do not see it that way," said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Kumar Samuels, who heads the New York public school system, added that the policy is intended to protect "human connections, curiosity, and creativity that help children grow." The move comes after more and more parents complained about the increasing use of digital devices and AI in classrooms, arguing that the technology harms students, limits their learning ability, and encourages cheating.