New Rules for Norwegian Schools and Kindergartens This Year

As the new school year begins for most Norwegian children, a series of updated regulations for kindergartens and schools are coming into effect. Among the most significant changes are new recommendations concerning screen time and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into education. The Directorate of Education has issued preliminary guidelines on AI, with further details expected in the fall. Currently, AI use is largely restricted for students in grades 1-7, while older students in grades 8-10 are advised to use it gradually and cautiously. High school students are encouraged to learn appropriate AI usage for academic work.

Furthermore, screen time for younger students in grades 1-4 will be handled with particular care, ensuring digital technologies do not dominate instruction. This aligns with a 2024 report emphasizing the need for a balanced approach between digital tools and traditional books in educational settings. These updated guidelines aim to address concerns about excessive screen exposure and promote a healthier learning environment.

Significant changes are also being made to after-school care (SFO) and student health services. The right to twelve hours of free SFO per week is now enshrined in law for students in grades 1-3. This provision has been extended to include fourth-graders in areas facing "special living condition challenges," benefiting over 4,000 students across 14 selected municipalities and 25 districts. This expansion aims to support families who struggle with the costs of SFO after the regular school day ends.

Additionally, visits to school health services and consultations with school nurses will no longer be counted as absences for students in both primary and secondary education. This clarification rectifies a previous ambiguity in the rules that had discouraged students from utilizing these essential health resources. Changes also extend to kindergartens, with revised regulations on funding for private kindergartens and new provisions allowing Steiner College teachers to serve as pedagogical leaders in any kindergarten without additional training. The income threshold for free core kindergarten hours has also been raised.