Norway to Significantly Restrict Use of AI in Schools

Starting with the new school year, the Norwegian government will tighten rules governing the use of generative artificial intelligence in education. Under the new guidelines, elementary school students aged 6 to 13 will generally not be allowed to use it.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre justified the measure by citing concerns that children might skip important steps in their education. He emphasized that schools should prioritize teaching students to read, write and do math.

Younger high school students, aged 14 to 16, will be allowed to use AI tools only with caution and under teacher supervision. Older students, aged 17 to 19, are to learn how to work with AI so that they are prepared for further study and employment.

Norway also plans to promote the return of books to classrooms. The government intends to introduce legislation to fund greater use of printed educational materials, partially reversing the trend toward tablets and digital devices. In 2024 the country banned the use of smartphones in schools and restored broader disciplinary powers to teachers.

(Reuters, bak)