Photo by Sandro Kradolfer on Unsplash
June 23, 2026 — The government of Norway announced last week that the use of generative AI tools will not be allowed by students in elementary schools starting in the fall session. In a related move, government officials also said they would propose a significant increase in funding for the use of more books in classrooms, instead of computer tablets.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, in making the announcement, said excessive reliance on AI risks undermining the development of essential skills. “The most important thing in school is that our children learn to read, write and do mathematics,” Støre said.
The new policy comes two months after Norwegian government leaders announced their intention to pass legislation setting 16 as the minimum age for social media accounts. Australia last December became the first nation to prohibit the use of social media for children under 16.
Reuters reported: “Facing a broad decline in education test scores, the government in 2024 banned smartphones from schools and has given teachers back more powers to enforce discipline in the classroom.”
Gizmodo’s AJ Dellinger noted: “Norway has been one of the nations leading the pushback against the over-proliferation of technology in schools. In 2024, the nation banned smartphones from classrooms, requiring students to lock their devices up during school hours. It apparently did wonders. According to a study published by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, bullying decreased across the board, and grade point averages started to climb once the device restriction was implemented.”
All Things Nordic, an independent news platform focused on the Nordic nations, offered this overview of the digital discussion in its part of the world:
“The Nordic countries have often been viewed as pioneers in educational technology, but they are increasingly asking whether digital tools have gone too far. Questions about reading comprehension, concentration, handwriting, and critical thinking are now central to educational debates from Finland to Denmark and Sweden. Artificial intelligence has intensified those concerns. Supporters argue that AI can personalise learning and support teachers. Critics worry that students may become dependent on tools that generate answers instead of learning how to develop them independently. Educational researchers and policymakers across Europe continue to debate where the balance should lie.”
A number of U.S. states have also banned the use of mobile phones by students during classroom hours.
According to the Phone-Free Schools State Report Card published earlier this year, four states (North Dakota, Kansas, Indiana, and Rhode Island) have adopted bell-to-bell phone bans with inaccessible storage, meaning students have no access to their phones from first bell to final dismissal. A further 20 states have policies that allow access between classes and during lunchtime, but not during class sessions.
With schools letting out across the country, this is a good time for parents to check up on their kids’ digital safety. Here’s a five-step plan to set your family up for a happy and healthy summer.
Alarmed by the release of untested and developmentally harmful chatbot toys, legislators in New York and California have proposed a five-year moratorium on their manufacture and sale.
A survey of 1,000 girls ages 5-13 found that 65% viewed AI as a friend, while 51% of girls ages 11-13 have asked AI for help when they felt sad, anxious or lonely.
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