Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Make classrooms analog again? A new bill aims to limit tech in schools.
By
Jessica Gould
Published Aug 21, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
By
Jessica Gould
Published Aug 21, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Many New York students could go back to basics like looseleaf and No. 2 pencils if a bill being introduced in Albany on Friday gains traction.
State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, a Brooklyn Democrat, is introducing the Fostering Optimal Classroom Use of Screens Act, which he said aims to strictly limit students’ exposure to screens and artificial intelligence while in the classroom.
Under the new legislation, teachers would be required to offer screen-free, largely pencil-and-paper-based learning from kindergarten through fifth grade. In middle school, students would have access to “computers on a cart” or to a computer lab for certain lessons, rather than the 1:1 model currently prevalent in many classrooms. In high school, students could opt into 1:1 computer access with parental consent or borrow laptops from a cart. The legislation would also ban social media, chatbots, generative AI, direct messaging, gaming and computer-based cameras.
“I am increasingly worried, as I know many parents are, about the proliferation of screens, tech, ed tech platforms and the use of AI in our schools,” said Gounardes, adding that the eldest of his three children will be starting kindergarten in September. “We're not saying that tech has no place in a child's life, but we're saying that there needs to be the intentional use of technology.”
Gounardes said his bill exempts students with disabilities who need computers or other devices to access materials and learn.
The bill also seeks to enhance student data privacy protections and update computer literacy standards to include the negative effects of excessive screen time and toxic social media on youth.
Students’ access to screens varies between classrooms, schools and grade levels. But many elementary school parents have said that students are asked to complete assignments and take tests on screens from the youngest grades upwards, with homework completed digitally, sometimes with recommended YouTube links as supplements.
Parents have also raised alarms about voice recognition technology and even digital bathroom sign-outs in some schools, which some students have called surveillance.
Gounardes’ proposed legislation builds on a growing movement among many parents, educators and policymakers who have been mobilizing to combat the flood of technology in schools.
Throughout the summer, parents have called for a moratorium on the use of AI in schools. And earlier this summer, Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels told principals to pause all education software purchases while they revised their technology policies. He promised an updated plan by the end of the summer.
State Assemblymember Robert Carroll, a Brooklyn Democrat, has introduced a bill banning artificial intelligence in elementary and middle schools.
At the same time, families have called for new limits on laptops, tablets and other devices in schools. Some parents have championed “screen breaks” in classrooms and at home.
State education officials said the role of technology in schools is a priority.
“We are developing comprehensive statewide guidance to support the responsible use of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies in schools. Any changes to state law governing the use of technology in classrooms would ultimately require legislative action,” spokesperson Karen Male said.
“The New York State Education Department does not comment on pending legislation. However, while the department believes technology can and should support educators and students, it should not replace the human judgment or accountability essential to a safe and effective learning environment,” she added.
Gounardes underscored the urgency of the issue. “We see this time and time again, a tech company will roll out a new product,” he said. “And they'll say this is the greatest invention since the creation of sliced bread, and every kid should have this right away, and they'll rush to get it into our classrooms, and there's no research done as to whether or not it's effective for student learning or if it's helpful for for young people.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul, who championed the statewide smartphone ban in schools and a ban on addictive algorithmic feeds for children, said earlier this summer that she is open to limiting screen time for the youngest students.
“Governor Hochul remains committed to keeping our kids safe online and has enacted protections that restrict addictive feeds, require social media companies to post warnings about a platform's potential mental health impact, and has championed distraction-free learning in schools to improve students’ wellbeing," Kassie White, a spokesperson for Hochul, said in a statement. "The Governor will review any legislation that passes both houses of the legislature.”
Tagged
education
new york
technology
Jessica Gould
Jessica is the education reporter for WNYC and Gothamist. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jessica reported on the shutdown and reopening of the nation’s largest school system, highlighting the unprecedented impacts on learning, health and mental health for students, staff and families. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
The New York county leaders vowing to fight law limiting police cooperation with ICE
The Rensselaer County executive says he will not comply with the new law.
By
Jimmy Vielkind
Published Aug 24, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
Legionnaires' survivors point blame at NYC officials for another summer outbreak
After two outbreaks in as many years, victims and health experts alike say the city needs to do more to prevent Legionnaires' from spreading.
By
Joe Hong
News
Legionnaires' survivors point blame at NYC officials for another summer outbreak
After two outbreaks in as many years, victims and health experts alike say the city needs to do more to prevent Legionnaires' from spreading.
By
Joe Hong
Mamdani plans to build temporary highway in Brooklyn Heights to fix crumbling part of BQE
By
Stephen Nessen
Family rescued after boat runs aground near Fire Island Inlet
By
Willow Higgins
Bed-Stuy's Herbert Von King Park dog run closed due to contamination
By
Jill Webb
and
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .