The Norwegian government has announced that it will ban the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in schools for children aged 6 to 13, effective from the end of August. The Norwegian prime minister justified the move by saying generative AI increases the risk that children will skip important steps in their education when the focus should be on learning to read, write and do arithmetic.
Rules vary by age group
Under the proposed regulation:
- Ages 6–13: no generative AI use is allowed in schools.
- Ages 14–16: AI may be used in school only under teacher supervision.
- Ages 17–19: students will be taught how to use AI appropriately to prepare them for higher education and the workplace.
The Norwegian government also plans to introduce a new law to reintroduce the use of books in classrooms.
Context and research
The announcement was reported by PCMag.com. Norway has a precedent for technology restrictions in education: the coverage notes that Sweden, Norway’s neighbor, was among the first countries to ban smartphones in schools.
Several U.S. studies have examined children’s use of generative AI and its effects, finding that AI can negatively affect children’s cognitive abilities and social skills. The Norwegian government cited such risks as a primary reason for implementing the restrictions.
Further details on implementation and the legal steps required will depend on subsequent government measures and the drafting of the proposed legislation.
