Norway Moves to Impose Ban on AI Use in Primary Schools

Norway is set to introduce a near-complete ban on the use of generative artificial intelligence tools by primary school students, as the government seeks to safeguard foundational learning skills and address concerns over declining educational performance.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced the policy on Friday, saying the new guidelines will significantly restrict the use of AI technologies among younger pupils while placing tighter controls on their adoption by older students.

The move follows a broader effort by Norwegian authorities to reverse a deterioration in academic outcomes. In 2024, the government banned smartphones in schools and granted teachers greater authority to enforce classroom discipline.

Speaking at a press conference, Støre warned that widespread access to generative AI could encourage children to bypass essential stages of the learning process.

“The most important task of schools is to ensure that our children learn to read, write and do mathematics,” he said.

The new standards are scheduled to take effect at the start of the next academic year in late August.

Under the guidelines, students in grades one through seven, typically aged between six and thirteen, will generally not be permitted to use AI tools. Authorities said the restrictions are designed to ensure that children develop critical literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills without excessive reliance on technology.

The government indicated that students in lower secondary education, aged 14 to 16, may use AI applications cautiously and only under teacher supervision.

Meanwhile, students in upper secondary education, aged 17 to 19, will be encouraged to learn how to use artificial intelligence responsibly as preparation for higher education and the modern workforce.

Officials emphasized that the policy is intended to strike a balance between embracing technological innovation and preserving educational standards.

Norway was among the early adopters of digital technology in classrooms, introducing computers into schools during the 1990s and later expanding the use of tablets following the launch of the iPad in 2010. The shift gradually reduced dependence on traditional textbooks and handwriting-based learning.

However, the government now appears to be reassessing that strategy.

In a related announcement on Friday, officials said they would propose legislation to increase funding for printed textbooks in schools, signaling a renewed emphasis on traditional learning materials.

The AI restrictions form part of a broader push by Norwegian policymakers to curb children's exposure to digital platforms.

Earlier this year, the government unveiled plans to prohibit children under the age of 16 from using social media, aligning Norway with a growing number of countries seeking to address concerns about the impact of technology on young people's development, mental health and educational outcomes.