The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has unveiled a 10-point Artificial Intelligence (AI) plan, seeking bans on all screen use for students below third grade and on student-facing AI tools in elementary education.
The AFT’s plan also calls for extensive teacher training on AI, independent government research on AI safety, and stronger privacy protections. In addition, it proposes a federal “tech tax” on major technology companies to address AI-driven job disruptions.
The AFT wants to extend digital restrictions in schools to ban all screen use under grade 3, including online tests, without a “compelling reason,” such as supports needed for students with disabilities. The AFT also wants to restrict “student-facing” artificial intelligence, such as digital tutors, in elementary school; and “companion chatbots,” including any AI-based program that simulates human relationships, for students under age 16.
The AFT has pushed states and districts for widescale teacher training on AI issues and effective use, and said secondary students should use AI-based tools only under teacher supervision.
In 2025, AI firms including Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI partnered with the AFT to create a National Academy for AI Instruction to train teachers. However, the new plan explicitly calls for the federal government to develop AI safety research and teacher training independent from AI developers.
The AFT’s 10-point plan to boost student learning and success in the AI era is free to download here.