New York City is putting a one-year freeze on generative AI use for students from pre-K through 8th grade. The ban kicks in for the 2026/27 school year and will impact nearly 600,000 kids across the city.

What's Getting Banned

All companion chatbots are off-limits in every grade—including high school. For elementary and middle schoolers, the moratorium means no generative AI at all during the ban.

Pilots and AI Literacy for High Schoolers

High school students will get limited pilot programs with five different educational AI tools. On top of that, new mandatory AI literacy modules will roll out for upper grades.

AI Tools for Teachers

Teachers will still be allowed to use AI-powered tools to prep lessons and handle admin work.