The biggest teachers union in the U.S. is calling for major limits on AI and screen time in early grades. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) wants elementary schools to stop giving young kids access to artificial intelligence tools and digital devices like iPads.

Randi Weingarten, the AFT president, spoke out at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., urging schools to ban screens for students from pre-kindergarten through second grade. The union also wants to prohibit AI chatbots and digital tutors for all elementary students. These moves come amid growing concerns about how technology affects kids’ learning and social skills.

Weingarten said kids are “drowning in tech” and warned that early education should focus on human interaction, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. She fears that too much AI and screen use might harm a whole generation of students. “The work of teaching and learning in the earliest grades should be done without AI,” she said.

Why cut screens and AI for young learners?

Research shows that excessive screen time can hurt children’s cognitive and social development. Some studies point to declines in reading and math scores after schools widely adopted digital tools. Experts worry that kids who rely on AI for quick answers won’t develop problem-solving skills or persistence.

One concern is that AI chatbots, like ChatGPT or Khanmigo, can give instant solutions. This can stop kids from struggling through challenges, which is essential for learning. Teachers say that when students overuse AI, they miss out on practicing critical thinking and creativity.

The union also noted that digital devices can distract kids from real-life interactions. In states that banned phones and limited screens, teachers reported more engaged students and livelier school environments. The AFT wants to bring similar rules to classrooms nationwide.

Balancing technology and education

The AFT isn’t calling for a total ban on AI or technology. Instead, it wants a balanced approach that keeps human judgment at the center of teaching. Weingarten said AI can help teachers with admin tasks but must not replace core teaching and thinking.

The union released a 10-point plan that includes banning screens for the youngest students, stopping student-facing AI in elementary schools, banning AI companion chatbots for anyone under 16, and promoting active, hands-on learning. They also want stronger federal rules on AI safety, privacy, and ethics.

Last year, the AFT partnered with companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic to create a National Academy for AI Instruction. It trains teachers to use AI responsibly. But Weingarten said these companies have been slow to adopt safety and privacy standards. The union wants independent government research and tighter regulation.

Weingarten called on tech giants to pay a fair tax to address AI’s impact on jobs and education. She linked unchecked AI growth to widening wealth inequality. She said, “Tech kingpins can afford to pay a fair tech tax; workers and communities can’t afford if they don’t.”

This push reflects a broader backlash among parents and educators. Some big school districts, like Los Angeles Unified, have already cut back on devices for young kids. Parents and advocacy groups want a pause on generative AI in classrooms until more research clarifies its effects on kids’ well-being.

As AI tools keep expanding in schools, the debate over how much technology is appropriate for young learners is heating up. The AFT’s call highlights the need to protect early education from becoming overly digital. The focus remains clear: kids need to build real skills through human connection and hands-on experiences before relying on AI.