US School District Bans AI Use From Pre-K to Grade 12 Weeks After Google Gemini Rollout
A school district in the United States has voted to ban students from using artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms across all grade levels, just weeks after introducing Google’s Gemini tool for older students.
The Frederick County School Board approved the restriction in a 6–1 vote this week, extending the ban from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The decision marks a significant shift in the district’s approach to classroom technology.
Initially, the board considered restricting AI use among younger pupils only. However, the proposal was expanded to include middle and high school students, reflecting growing concerns about how the technology is being used in education.
The move comes after the district began allowing middle and high school students to use Google Gemini during the current school year, provided they had permission from their teachers. Other AI platforms had remained blocked on school devices.
Despite the broad restriction, some exceptions will apply. Students may still use AI as part of lessons designed to teach them about the technology. The rules also allow certain uses to accommodate students with disabilities.
Frederick County’s decision comes amid wider debates about the role of AI in schools, with educators and policymakers weighing its potential benefits against concerns about its impact on learning.
New York City has also introduced restrictions on AI use among younger students, highlighting the growing debate over how schools should manage the technology.
The latest decision raises questions about how schools can prepare students for an increasingly AI-driven world while protecting learning and academic development.
