Norway Restricts AI in Schools Following Smartphone Ban

Norway Imposes Age-Based Limits on Artificial Intelligence in Classrooms

According to НВ — Техно: On June 22 at 12:30 PM, Norway introduced restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational institutions, grouping students by age. For grades 1 through 7 (children aged 6 to 13), AI tools are almost entirely prohibited during lessons. Students in grades 8 through 10 (ages 14 to 16) may only use AI under direct teacher supervision. Upper secondary students, aged 17 and older, have more flexibility but are advised to use AI only when necessary.

Norway’s Broader Technology Policy in Schools

These measures are part of a wider Norwegian strategy to curb technology use in schools. In 2024, the country already banned smartphones in classrooms, requiring students to hand in their devices during school hours. That ban has yielded positive results: a study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found lower bullying rates and improved academic performance. Earlier this year, authorities also announced plans to prohibit social media access for individuals under the age of 16.

Additionally, the Norwegian government intends to propose legislative changes to boost funding for purchasing and using books in schools. Notably, in 2016, Norway launched a program to provide tablets to all schoolchildren starting at age five. However, after implementing that initiative, the country saw a decline in literacy levels and student test scores.

“The main task of the school is for children to learn to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations.” - Støre, Prime Minister of Norway

These steps aim to enhance the learning process and ensure quality education for young people amid rapid technological development.

Norway’s AI restrictions reflect growing concerns about technology’s impact on education and child development. The government is striving to strike a balance between integrating new technologies and preserving traditional teaching methods, with a focus on foundational skills like reading and writing. This underscores the importance of both technological and humanistic aspects of education in the digital age.

As Norway implements these new AI restrictions, the implications for younger students become increasingly significant. For a deeper understanding of how these measures align with the country’s broader educational reforms, including the recent prohibition of AI for elementary school students, read more about the ban on AI in early education.