Teachers Union President Calls for Restrictions on AI Use, Screen Time in Classroom

Randi Weingarten also advocates a tech tax to combat the adverse consequences of artificial intelligence, such as job loss.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten speaks during a rally in front of the Department of Education to protest budget cuts in Washington on March 13, 2025. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

The head of the nation’s second-largest teachers union on May 27 called for a ban on digital learning environments for younger children and said artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots should not be available to any students under 16.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, speaking at the National Press Club event, said these restrictions are part of a “Devices Down, Eyes Up, Hands-On” initiative to boost teaching and learning in the AI era.