Norway limits generative AI in schools ahead of new term – mezha.net

A new policy will ban generative AI for younger pupils and set supervised limits for older students, starting with the school year in late August.
According to Reuters.
The Government of Norway has introduced restrictions on the use of generative artificial intelligence in schools, which will take effect at the start of the new school year at the end of August.
The Prime Minister of the country, Jonas Gahr Støre, said that Norway has nearly completely banned the use of generative AI tools by primary school students, while for middle and high school students restrictions have been introduced to minimize the potential negative impact of the technology on the learning process.
The government explained that after a significant deterioration in educational test results in 2024, the use of smartphones in schools was banned, and teachers’ authority to maintain classroom discipline was expanded.
“The most important thing in school is that our children learn to read, write, and solve mathematical problems.”
– Jonas Gahr Støre
According to the prime minister, the use of artificial intelligence increases the risk that younger students will miss important stages in their education. The new rules will take effect at the start of the school year in late August.
Students from first through seventh grade are prohibited from using AI tools. Middle school students are allowed to use them with restrictions and under teacher supervision. In high school, students aged 17 to 19 should learn to use AI responsibly to prepare for further study and professional activity.
Norway continues to adapt the educational process to digital technologies: computers were introduced in the 1990s, and tablets appeared after the advent of the iPad in the 2010s, gradually reducing dependence on textbooks and handwriting.
At the same time, the government announced legislative changes intended to increase the use of printed textbooks in schools and correct the trend toward excessive digitization of education.
Following the implementation of the new rules, educational institutions are preparing for the new school year with clear boundaries on the use of artificial intelligence and a focus on ensuring a balance between technology and traditional education.

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