New York City is set to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence by public school students through eighth grade, drawing a clear line on how young children can interact with rapidly advancing AI technology.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed the planned restrictions to AFP on Wednesday, following reports in US media. Under the proposed rules, AI would only be permitted for students beginning in ninth grade, and even then, its use would be restricted to specific educational purposes.

The move comes amid growing concerns among teachers and parents about the possible effects of AI on children's mental health and cognitive development. Environmental concerns linked to the technology have also been raised.

Students in eighth grade in the United States are generally around 13 years old.

The restrictions would not mean unrestricted access to AI for older students.

According to the source, high school students would be allowed to use the technology only for specific purposes, including learning about AI itself.

The New York Times also reported that AI "companion chatbots" designed to offer psychological support would be prohibited under the new rules.

Teachers, however, would still be permitted to use AI for certain work-related tasks, including preparing lessons and drafting messages.

Why New York is tightening its AI rules

The tougher approach follows an earlier AI framework released in March that faced criticism from parents and teachers.

The initial framework used a traffic light-style system to determine appropriate uses of artificial intelligence in schools. It allowed students to use AI for activities such as research, exploration and creative projects.

However, many parents and educators considered the guidelines too permissive.

Following the backlash, New York City schools chancellor Kamar Samuels acknowledged that education leaders had "missed the mark" in communicating the policy. He said the administration would carefully consider feedback from parents while developing future guidelines.

The education department had already planned to replace the March framework with a more detailed guidebook incorporating public feedback.

Task force to shape future AI policy

The department is also expected to establish a task force involving teachers, elected officials, experts and union representatives.

The group is scheduled to submit a report in April, which will serve as the basis for New York City's broader policy on artificial intelligence in schools.

The proposed rules also come as schools continue to examine children's wider use of technology. The city's education department currently recommends limiting classroom screen time to 45 minutes for middle school students in grades six through eight and 30 minutes for elementary school students.

One major challenge, however, remains: monitoring AI use outside school.

As AI tools are widely accessible beyond classrooms, enforcing restrictions may prove difficult even with tighter rules in place.

New York City's approach is likely to attract attention across the United States. With more than 900,000 students enrolled during the 2024-2025 academic year, it is the country's largest public school district.

With AFP inputs