Kids studying
Childhood: Fragile

Not anti-tech; pro-child.

With distraction-free school policies taking hold, educators are asking a bigger question: How much technology belongs in the classroom? From early childhood development to AI and critical thinking, NYSUT explores how to balance innovation with what students need most—human connection, hands-on learning, and great teaching.

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Teacher and student

Testimonials

Hear from educators across New York as they share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on finding the right balance between technology and teaching.

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What NYSUT is fighting for

In May 2026, NYSUT’s Board of Directors adopted a resolution calling for developmentally appropriate limits on classroom technology. Among its recommendations:

  • No one-to-one devices or online testing in prekindergarten through grade 2, except to support students with documented needs such as translation or special education.
  • A paper-and-pencil testing option for every student, as called for in NYSUT’s “More Teaching, Less Testing” report.
  • No student-facing AI for students in prekindergarten through grade 2.
  • No non-educational AI for students in grades 3 through 8.
  • AI use in any grade only when it is supervised, educator-led and designed to build critical thinking, digital literacy and civic readiness — not to replace human instruction, creativity or judgment.
  • No “social companion” chatbots — programs that simulate human relationships — for children under 16.

The bottom line: educators and families, not tech companies, should decide how and when technology is used.