The city of New York has introduced a one-year pause, or moratorium, on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) by students in its public schools. This rule will go into effect during the 2026-2027 school year, applying to classes from kindergarten (2-K) through fourth grade. The policy will impact about 600,000 students in the city’s school district, which is the largest in the United States, according to CNN. Generative AI refers to technology that can create text, images, or other content based on user prompts. The decision by New York’s education officials emphasizes the importance of human interaction and traditional learning methods. “Children need teachers and human connections to learn and thrive. They need to acquire skills alongside their peers, build relationships with their teachers, and confront complex problems on their own,” said Zohran Mamdani, a city council member, during a press conference. He added that while the technology sector promotes AI-based education as essential, the city does not agree with this perspective. The move comes as debates about AI in education grow worldwide. In France, there is an existing framework for the use of generative AI in schools, though it is not without criticism. One clear rule in France is that no pedagogical use of AI is allowed in schools before the fourth grade. This aligns with New York’s decision, though the reasons for the restrictions may vary between the two countries. Both New York and France are taking cautious approaches to the integration of AI in early education. While the technology offers potential benefits, concerns about its impact on student development, learning outcomes, and teacher roles have led to calls for careful regulation. The New York moratorium provides an opportunity to study the effects of AI on younger students before making long-term decisions about its use in education.