Norway Effectively Bans Generative AI Use for Elementary Students

The Norwegian government will effectively ban the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for elementary school students. Starting from the new academic year in August, AI use will be restricted in principle for students in grades 1 through 7 (ages 6-13).

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed concern that generative AI could cause students to skip important stages of learning, emphasizing the importance of developing foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

However, middle school students (ages 14-16) will be permitted to use AI under the guidance of teachers, and the plan is to teach high school students (ages 17-19) how to utilize AI effectively.

This move comes amid a trend of regulating digital devices, following Norway's complete ban on smartphone use in schools in 2024 as the country experiences a general decline in academic achievement, and its strengthening of social media usage regulations to reduce adolescents' screen time. This trend led to the announcement in April of a policy to restrict social media use for minors under 16. The government plans to push forward legislation to increase funding for the use of physical books.