Norway Imposes Near Ban on AI Tools in Elementary Schools

Norway will sharply restrict the use of generative AI in schools, introducing a near ban for elementary school students as part of a broader effort to strengthen foundational learning.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced the new policy on Friday, saying young children need to focus on developing core skills such as reading, writing and mathematics before relying on artificial intelligence tools.

Under the new guidelines, students aged 6 to 13 will generally not be allowed to use generative AI in school. The rules will take effect from the new academic year, which begins in late August.

The move comes as Norway seeks to address declining educational performance. The government banned smartphones in schools last year and expanded teachers’ authority to maintain classroom discipline.

“The most important thing in school is that our children learn to read, write and do mathematics,” Støre said while announcing the new standards.

Norway was among the early adopters of classroom technology, introducing computers in schools during the 1990s and later expanding the use of tablets following the arrival of the iPad. However, the government now believes the balance has shifted too far away from traditional learning methods.

Alongside the AI restrictions, authorities said they will propose new legislation to increase funding for physical books in classrooms. The initiative marks a reversal from years of growing reliance on tablets and digital learning materials.

The government says the new approach is intended to ensure technology supports learning rather than replacing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills students need to develop during their early years of education.