Norway is imposing a near ban on the use of generative AI tools by elementary school pupils while also restricting their use in the education of older children to prevent a negative impact on learning, the country’s prime minister said on Friday.
Background of the Decision
Facing a broad decline in education test scores, the government in 2024 banned smartphones from schools and gave teachers more powers to enforce discipline in the classroom. Using AI increases the risk that young children skip important steps in their education, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store told a press conference.
“The most important thing in school is that our children learn to read, write and do mathematics,” Store said, adding that the new standards will be imposed from the new school year beginning in late August.
Details of the New Rules
Pupils from first through seventh grade (ages 6 to 13) should generally not use AI, while those in lower secondary school (ages 14 to 16) may cautiously adopt tools under teacher supervision, the government said. In upper secondary education (ages 17 to 19), students should learn to use AI appropriately to prepare for further education and work, it added.
Reversal of Digital Trends
Norway began adopting computers in classrooms in the 1990s and tablets after the introduction of the iPad from 2010 onwards, reducing reliance on books and handwriting. But in a related statement, the government also said it will propose legislation to fund more use of books in classrooms, reversing the trend towards computer tablets.
Social Media Ban for Children
The Norwegian government in April also announced plans to ban children from using social media until age 16, following similar moves by Australia and other countries.
