The New York City Department of Education announced on September 15, 2026 that access to YouTube will be limited on devices issued to students in public schools. The change comes after City Councilmembers Shekar Krishnan and Eric Dinowitz asked the department to impose tighter controls to reduce the amount of time students spend in front of screens.
The new policy restricts how students can use YouTube during school hours on school‑provided tablets, laptops and other electronic devices. While the department did not release detailed technical specifications, officials described the measure as a step toward curbing non‑educational screen usage. The decision follows a request from the two council members, who highlighted concerns about excessive screen time and its impact on learning.
Education officials said the restriction aligns with broader efforts to prioritize instructional activities and to ensure that digital resources support curriculum goals. By limiting YouTube, the department aims to keep student attention focused on classroom tasks and to prevent distractions that can arise from unrestricted video streaming.
Councilmember Krishnan and Councilmember Dinowitz have been vocal about the need for clearer guidelines on technology use in schools. Their appeal to the Department of Education emphasized the importance of balancing the benefits of digital tools with the potential drawbacks of unrestricted access. The department’s response reflects that balance, implementing a policy that reduces open access while still allowing teachers to use approved video content for educational purposes.
The policy will take effect immediately on school‑issued devices, and administrators are responsible for enforcing the new limits. The Department of Education indicated that it will monitor the impact of the restrictions and adjust the approach as needed to support student learning outcomes.
Parents and educators have been informed of the change through official communications from the department, which outlined the rationale and the expected benefits of reduced screen time for students across New York City’s public schools.