Norway Bans Generative AI for Primary School Students

Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere announced a near-total ban on generative artificial intelligence tools for primary school students, alongside restrictions for older children, to safeguard learning. This move comes as part of broader efforts to address a general decline in educational test scores.

Last year, the government prohibited smartphone use in schools and enhanced teachers' disciplinary authority. Stoere emphasized that the core of education lies in children mastering reading, writing, and mathematics. The new AI regulations will take effect at the start of the next school year in late August.

Students from first to seventh grade (ages 6-13) will generally be prohibited from using AI. Lower secondary students (ages 14-16) may use these tools cautiously under teacher supervision. For upper secondary students (ages 17-19), the focus will be on learning appropriate AI usage to prepare them for higher education and the workforce.

This policy shift contrasts with the increasing integration of digital devices in Norwegian classrooms since the 1990s. The government also plans to propose legislation to increase the use of physical books in classrooms. This initiative follows Norway's April announcement to restrict social media access for minors under 16, aligning with similar measures in countries like Australia aimed at reducing young people's screen time.

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The most important thing in school is that our children learn to read, write, and do mathematics.