New York Takes New Steps to Protect Students Using AI
Posted Date: 11/06/26 (01:19 PM)
New York recently enacted new legislation designed to protect children and teens when they interact with AI chatbots. The law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on October 28, places restrictions on unsafe AI features for minors, including chatbots that present themselves as human or emotionally sentient, encourage secrecy or harmful behavior, provide inappropriate content, or attempt to form emotional relationships with young users.
This legislation reinforces an important part of the work already underway in Pleasantville: AI literacy is about much more than whether students should or should not use AI. Students need to understand what these systems are, recognize their limitations, protect their privacy, and learn when AI can appropriately support their learning and when a human connection, trusted adult, or their own thinking matters more.
As these technologies continue to evolve, we will continue working with our students, staff, and families to build the knowledge and judgment needed to navigate them safely and responsibly.
Learn more about New York’s new AI chatbot protections
This legislation reinforces an important part of the work already underway in Pleasantville: AI literacy is about much more than whether students should or should not use AI. Students need to understand what these systems are, recognize their limitations, protect their privacy, and learn when AI can appropriately support their learning and when a human connection, trusted adult, or their own thinking matters more.
As these technologies continue to evolve, we will continue working with our students, staff, and families to build the knowledge and judgment needed to navigate them safely and responsibly.
Learn more about New York’s new AI chatbot protections