Dear John,

September always brings a change in rhythm to New York City. Our subways, buses, and sidewalks are buzzing as hundreds of thousands of students settle into new classrooms with new teachers, classmates, challenges, and opportunities.

As a former public school teacher – and as a parent— I know how much hope, excitement, and yes, anxiety can come with the start of the school year. We all want our kids to learn, thrive, and be prepared for a world that is changing remarkably fast.

With everyone settling back into the school-year routine, I also want to make sure families know about new guidelines on devices, screen time, and artificial intelligence in New York City public schools this year.

Technology and AI will increasingly be part of the world our students inherit. I believe they will need to understand how to use these tools to be prepared for a job market that increasingly demands technological fluency. But for our youngest learners, it is imperative that they first master how to read, think critically, solve problems, and engage with the people around them.

To support these foundational skills New York City public schools are implementing significant new rules regarding technology, AI usage, and screen time this year.

What’s new this year?

1. There’s a limit on devices.
New York City schools will not allow cell phones during school hours, and beginning this year, schools are now barred from giving individual devices to students in pre-k through second grade.

2. Younger kids will have less screen time. 
Students from 2K to second grade will be barred from one-on-one screen time, meaning they will not receive an individual device for instructions at all. Grades three to five will have a recommended cap of 30 minutes of screen time a day, and grade six through eight will have a recommended 45 minutes per day. 

3. AI is off limits for 2K through eighth grade. 
For the first time in the city’s history, artificial intelligence will formally be banned from being used by students below the high school level. This means AI programs that create new text, images, or content based on prompts. The ban also includes chatbots. For high schoolers, AI usage will be limited to approved programs and assignments.

4. Any program that operates in a public school building or under contract with New York City must follow the same policies.
If your child attends an early childhood education program or a private school that operates within the confines of a New York City building, those classrooms must abide by the same limits on technology.

5. There’s an exception for students with disabilities.
Students with disabilities and their parents can rest assured they will be able to access the tools they need to meet their IEP or 504 plans. Additionally, English language learners will be able access the approved devices they need to help them learn alongside their classmates. 

By setting these boundaries, the city aims to give students and teachers the optimal environment to build both strong academic foundation and long-term economic success.

I’m wishing all of our students, families, teachers, and school staff a joyful and rewarding year ahead.

Welcome back – here’s to a productive school year ahead!

Sincerely,

Mark D. Levine
New York City Comptroller

Office of the New York City Comptroller

Our mailing address is:
Office of New York City Comptroller Mark D. Levine
1 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
United States

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