Norway Bans AI for Elementary Students: "Learning to Read and Write Is Essential"

Norway is effectively banning the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for elementary school students.

The use of such tools will also be strictly restricted for students in middle school and above.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced at a press conference in Oslo on June 19 (local time) that the government plans to implement these measures starting from the new school year in August to prevent the negative impact of AI on learning.

"The use of AI increases the risk that children will skip essential stages in the educational process," Prime Minister Støre emphasized. "The most important thing in school is for our children to learn how to read, write, and calculate."

The government explained that, in principle, AI use will be prohibited for children aged 6 to 13, corresponding to grades 1 through 7 in elementary school. For middle school students (aged 14 to 16), AI may be used cautiously under the supervision of a teacher.

It added that high school students (aged 17 to 19) should learn how to use AI appropriately to prepare for future education and employment.

Since the 1990s, Norway has introduced computers into classrooms and expanded the use of tablets since 2010, reducing reliance on paper books and handwriting.

However, the government stated that it also plans to push for legislation to provide funding to reverse the trend of computer and tablet-centered education and increase the use of paper books in classrooms.

Following a general decline in academic achievement, Norway banned the use of smartphones in schools in 2024 and expanded the authority of teachers to maintain classroom discipline.

Furthermore, in April, the government announced a plan to ban social media use for those under 16 to reduce teenagers' screen time.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.