Significant measures regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) have been adopted in New York schools. Mayor Hochul announced on Wednesday a full one-year ban on generative AI tools for students up to the eighth grade in America's largest school system. This ban is considered the strictest and most comprehensive in the US currently concerning the use of AI among schoolchildren.
According to the mayor's office, this restriction applies to all students up to the eighth grade and prohibits the use of any AI-based software. Officials called this measure the broadest in the US. The goal of this restriction is to assess exactly how children are using AI technology within the school system.
While a ban on AI has been introduced for younger grades, the focus is placed on teaching older students how to work with AI. All public high schools in New York will conduct AI Literacy classes twice a year. Furthermore, pilot programs will be launched for some high school students, allowing them to use selected AI platforms under teacher supervision. It was clarified that the use of 'companion chatbots' in all classes will be prohibited.
The decision comes amid growing concern among schools, parents, and students in the US regarding the application of AI in the educational process. Schools face the challenge of teaching children how to use this technology correctly so they do not become overly dependent on it or use it for cheating or other improper purposes.
Democratic Mayor Hochul stated at a press conference that, just as children learn to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and question fundamentals when attending school, the school also bears responsibility regarding AI.
Similar steps have been taken in Los Angeles, the second-largest school city in the US. The Los Angeles Unified School District reported on Wednesday that access to generative AI tools on student devices has been temporarily closed in all grades. Specialists will develop an AI policy for students throughout the academic year. Classes in the Los Angeles school district began in mid-August.
Earlier, in June, the Los Angeles school district implemented an extensive screen time policy for young children. This policy limited the use of school-provided devices for students under the second grade. Screen time limits were set for all grades, and access to YouTube and other social media was restricted during school hours.
New York officials also recommend limiting student screen time. A daily limit of 30 minutes is proposed for third to fifth graders and 45 minutes for sixth to eighth graders. However, teachers are allowed to use AI for lesson planning and performing other administrative tasks.
It should be noted that official AI guidelines for schools exist in at least 37 states in America. However, there is no single universally accepted definition of AI literacy, nor is it defined how exactly it should be taught in schools. Last year, New York also approved a ban on students using mobile phones in schools.
Additionally, city education officials will conduct a thorough review of all technical devices and software used in the school system. Technologies deemed unnecessary for learning will be removed. Michael Mulgrew, president of the New York Federation of Teachers, welcomed the screen time limitation but noted that many unresolved issues remain in the city's AI policy. Among these is the question of how the Department of Education will ensure strictness regarding AI safety measures when purchasing products.