The Norwegian government will almost completely ban students from using generative artificial intelligence tools in primary schools starting from the new school year this fall, and impose stricter restrictions on related use in junior high and high schools, citing concerns that such technologies will weaken students' basic learning abilities and further worsen already declining educational performance.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere told a news conference on Friday that the use of artificial intelligence increases the risk of children skipping key steps in learning and that "the most important thing in schools now is for children to really learn to read, write and do math." He emphasized that the new standards will be implemented from the next school year starting at the end of August.
According to the plan announced by the government, students from grade one to grade seven (approximately 6 to 13 years old) are not allowed to use artificial intelligence tools in principle; while students in lower secondary schools (approximately 14 to 16 years old) can use such tools "cautiously" under the strict supervision of teachers. For high school students aged 17 to 19, the government hopes that they will learn how to use artificial intelligence appropriately in the classroom to prepare for future higher education and workplace environments.
Norway's overall test scores on international student assessments have declined in recent years, prompting the government to gradually tighten the use of digital devices and online services. Prior to this year, the government had implemented a ban on mobile phones in schools across the country and given teachers greater authority to strengthen classroom discipline management. The Steller administration believes that in the context of the rapid penetration of artificial intelligence into campuses, it is necessary to consolidate the teaching order and learning foundation through new regulations.
Norway began to widely introduce computers into classrooms in the 1990s. With the popularity of tablet computers after 2010, the proportion of traditional paper textbooks and handwriting training in teaching continued to decline. In a separate statement released on Friday, the government said it would push for legislation to provide financial support for schools to purchase more paper books in an attempt to reverse the trend of over-reliance on tablets in classrooms.
While restricting artificial intelligence, the Norwegian government is also tightening rules on minors’ use of other digital services. In April this year, the government announced plans to ban social media use by children under 16, following the lead of some countries, including Australia, in an effort to reduce teenagers' reliance on electronic devices and online platforms. The policy is seen as part of Norway's wider overhaul of the digital environment for children and young people.