As the Connecticut State Department of Education is drafting comprehensive guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence by school districts, New York City has taken a more restrictive approach, temporarily banning generative AI use by students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. 

Under the ban in New York City for the 2026-27 school year, schools cannot use software with "student-facing generative AI" and companion chatbots, which is prohibited for all grades, according to a Wednesday news release. 

"Children need teachers and human connection in order to learn and grow. They need to develop skills alongside their peers, build relationships with educators and wrestle with tough problems on their own," said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in a statement. "The tech industry wants us to believe that A.I.-powered early education is not only inevitable, but necessary. We do not see it that way."

In Connecticut, the state Department of Education is working with the Commission for Educational Technology to develop AI guidance for school districts. It will be based on findings from the statewide AI pilot program, where a few school districts used state-approved AI program. The guidelines will also take information from national experts and AI-focused education organizations. 

"Our goal is to provide districts with clear, practical guidance that supports intentional policy, sound governance and strong safeguards - ensuring that both educators and students are protected and prepared to navigate the opportunities and disruptions that artificial intelligence may bring," said Irene Parisi, chief academic officer for the state Department of Education, in a Wednesday statement. "By moving thoughtfully now, we position ourselves to respond effectively as new technologies enter the classroom."

For New York City, there is now a Technology in Schools Coalition, made up of educators, parents, elected officials, students, advocates, union partners and AI experts that will assess the impact of the AI ban and the AI pilot programs that will be used at the high school level. The members will then publish a report that will include recommendations on AI in the classroom for future school years, according to the Wednesday news release. 

Currently, in Connecticut, the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education has an optional policy that school districts can use in the interim as the state drafts its comprehensive AI guidelines. The state also offers a K-12 model digital literacy and well-being curriculum. This curriculum has lessons and resources related to ethical and safe ways to use technology, responsible ways to use AI and more, according to the state Department of Education. 

The Department of Education is partnering with the Commission for Education Technology to actively develop statewide AI guidance for Connecticut school districts that is intended to inform:

professional learning for teachers;

appropriate ways that students should use AI based on their age;

model lessons and tasks to use AI that will develop students' critical thinking and communication skills;

clear communication with students, teachers and families; and

AI literacy skills that are aligned with the state Board of Education's approved standards. 

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This article originally published at New York City is banning AI in elementary and middle schools. What is Connecticut's policy?.