Thousands of New York City public school students returned to class Thursday for the start of a new school year.

Parents and students gathered outside schools across the city, including P.S. 68 in the Baychester section of The Bronx, to kick off the academic year.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the first day of school "a new kind of stress" for families, driven by excitement and new beginnings.

Many parents said they are looking forward to seeing their children learn new skills, make new friends and connect with their communities.

One of the biggest changes this school year is the district's new policy restricting the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms.

The policy includes a one-year ban on AI for students in grades 2K through eighth grade.

The district is also encouraging limits on screen time, with students in grades three through five capped at 30 minutes a day and middle school students limited to 45 minutes.

Many parents welcomed the changes, saying young students should learn foundational skills before relying on AI technology.

Students with disabilities and English language learners will continue to have access to assistive technologies.