Norway has announced a ban on generative AI tools in elementary schools, effective at the start of the school year in late August 2026. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere emphasized the importance of foundational skills, stating, 'The most important thing in school is that our children learn to read, write, and do math.' He linked declining learning outcomes since 2015 to factors like smartphones, screens, and algorithms. Students in grades 1 through 7 will generally not be allowed to use AI tools, while lower secondary school students can use them cautiously under supervision. Older students will be taught how to use AI responsibly.
The government also plans to pass a law requiring municipalities to provide physical teaching materials, such as books, in schools. Stoere criticized previous governments for overemphasizing digital media. Norway had already banned smartphones in schools and is planning a social media ban for children under 16. Researchers in Sweden, as early as 2024, explored the link between AI use and students' learning abilities, finding both opportunities and risks. Other countries are also adjusting their policies, with Japan issuing guidelines in 2023 and the U.S. allowing schools to penalize unauthorized AI use.
Source: thedecoder
