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.”