Norway imposes near AI ban for junior school pupils, curbs use for older children
Norway imposes near AI ban for junior school pupils, curbs use for older children
Publish Date: 2026-06-19 21:17:00
Source Domain: www.scmp.com
- Norway is implementing a near ban on the use of generative AI tools by elementary school pupils and restricting their use in education for older children due to potential negative impacts on learning.
- Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere cited the increased risk that young children might skip important educational steps as a reason for the ban.
- The move follows a decline in education test scores; the government also banned smartphones in schools in 2024 and has given teachers more power to enforce discipline.
- Students aged 6 to 13, from first to seventh grade, are generally prohibited from using AI tools.
- Older students aged 14 to 16, in lower secondary school, can cautiously use AI tools under teachers’ supervision.
- New standards will be enforced from the new school year beginning in late August.
