Norway is restricting the use of generative AI tools in elementary schools to protect student learning outcomes. The policy targets children aged six to thirteen in grades one through seven, where these technologies are now prohibited. This move addresses concerns that AI assistance is contributing to declining test scores and undermining foundational education skills.
Policy targets grades 1-7 to restore academic integrity
The restrictions apply specifically to generative software used by students during their daily academic activities. Schools must enforce this ban to ensure that younger children develop critical thinking and writing abilities without digital shortcuts. The government views this as a necessary step to restore academic integrity in the earliest stages of schooling.
Students in lower secondary school, aged fourteen to sixteen, face a different standard that allows limited AI usage. They may use these tools only sparingly and must do so under direct teacher supervision. This approach balances the need for technological familiarity with the requirement for guided educational oversight.
Upper secondary students aged seventeen to nineteen are permitted to use generative AI to build skills for higher education and the workforce. The government recognizes that older students need practical experience with these tools to prepare for future careers. This permission aligns with the goal of workforce readiness while maintaining academic standards for younger cohorts.
This policy follows a previous ban on smartphones in schools and grants teachers increased powers for discipline. The government also plans to introduce a ban on social media use for children under the age of sixteen. These combined measures reflect a broader strategy to manage digital influence on student behavior and academic performance.
Source: Norway, NotebookCheck
