New York schools would limit classroom device use and restrict education software

Schools would limit pupils’ access to devices and provide ways to learn and complete work without them. The rules cover school districts, charter schools, and boards of cooperative educational services, with different limits by grade. For grades 9–12, schools may issue individual devices only with caregiver opt-in; separate opt-in is required for use away from school. Pupils may refuse a device when a reasonable non-digital option exists. This does not apply when technology is part of the learning goal, including computer science work. Schools may not punish pupils for exercising this right. The bill preserves device use for accessibility and translation. The bill would take effect on August 1 after it becomes law.

Schools would limit features on school devices and use only education software listed with the attorney general. These rules cover devices issued by schools and education software offered for use by pupils in New York schools. Devices could not include social media, games, messaging, AI companions, generative AI, conversational AI, or cameras. Conversational AI used to assist a person with a disability is allowed. Registered providers would have to attest that their software meets listed requirements, including protecting information and showing improved academic performance in at least one independent study. School staff could not use social media for official messages to pupils, and pupils could not be required to create social media accounts for school activities. The bill would take effect on August 1 after it becomes law.

Education technology and device providers would face limits on using pupils’ identifying information, and school contracts would include ways to end the agreement. The proposed limits apply to education technology and device providers that handle pupil information under agreements with schools. Providers could use pupils’ identifying information only when strictly needed for listed purposes, such as providing a requested service, fixing errors, or protecting security. The listed purposes exclude marketing and training AI. Contracts made on or after the paragraph takes effect would have to allow a school to end the contract on 90 days’ written notice or immediately after a finding that the provider violated specified requirements. The contract terms would apply to agreements made on or after the paragraph takes effect.