Mamdani bans generative AI for students until 9th grade in nation’s largest school district

< p>Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Wednesday that public school students in New York City under the ninth grade will face a mandated one-year prohibition on generative AI following a comprehensive AI policy rollout. p >
< p>The mayor characterized this policy as a “one-year moratorium” that targets only elementary and middle school students, emphasizing that it is a temporary measure rather than a permanent ban. p >
< p>“AI has evolved from fictional storytelling into a ubiquitous presence across society,” Mamdani stated. “Despite this accessibility, simply having technology everywhere does not inherently justify its introduction at every educational level.” Regarding early education, he insisted, “I have found no empirical studies suggesting that AI serves a clear educational purpose for children in these grades.” p >
< p>He further clarified that the recent enforcement against smartphone use and social media platforms seeks to safeguard minors from excessive technological exposure until they are developmentally ready to handle it. p >

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Zohran Mamdani, mayor of New York, speaks to members of the media on July 7, 2026.

Zohran Mamdani, mayor of New York, speaks to members of the media on July 7, 2026.(Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Mamdani expressed gratitude to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for initiatives banning cell phones and other platforms from schools, framing such policies as protective measures for adolescents. He highlighted that parents’ access to these tools is currently unchecked and could cause harm before youths develop the cognitive resilience to manage them.

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Zohran Mamdani, mayor of New York, speaks to members of the media on July 7, 2026.(Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The mayor expanded, noting that while high schoolers will engage with AI, distinct programs still require hands-on interaction between educators and pupils. He emphasized that automation may assist, but human mentorship remains essential.

Regarding political tensions, Mamdani referenced a legal dispute with the United Federation of Teachers, citing court rulings that navigated controversial educator pay increases. He criticized the UFT’s support for his initial campaign efforts, asserting that recent judicial victories ensured compliance with established state labor laws.

A stock image of a protester holding an anti-AI sign(iStock / iStock)

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“We anticipated legal challenges, and our team had been prepared,” explained UFT President Michael Mulgrew in a feedback session. „The RESPECT check law was carefully crafted to avoid conflicts with state collective-bargaining statutes.“

“The City Council would never have passed such legislation if it were unlawful,„ added Mulgrew. „This represents an opportunity for the administration to deliver on its promise of fairness and protect workers’ rights.“

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