Norway has introduced sweeping restrictions on artificial intelligence in schools, effectively banning children aged six to 13 from using generative AI in classrooms. Students aged 14 to 16 may only use it under teacher supervision, while older pupils aged 17 to 19 will be taught responsible AI use. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre warned that unrestricted AI access risks preventing children from mastering reading, writing, and mathematics. The policy forms part of a broader digital reset that includes a 2024 smartphone ban and increased funding for printed books following declining national test scores.
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Under the new policy, children aged six to 13 — covering first through seventh grade — will generally not be allowed to utilize generative AI in school. Students aged 14 to 16 will only be permitted to utilize AI under teacher supervision, while those in upper secondary education, aged 17 to 19, will instead be taught how to utilize the technology responsibly in preparation for higher education and the workplace.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre declared unrestricted AI utilize risked allowing young children to bypass fundamental stages of learning.
“The most important thing in school is that our children learn to read, write and do mathematics,” he declared.
Part of a wider digital reset
The AI restrictions are not an isolated measure.
Norway has spent the past two years reassessing the role of technology in classrooms after national education test scores declined. In 2024, the government banned smartphones in schools and restored greater disciplinary powers to teachers. On Friday, it also announced plans to increase funding for printed books, reversing years of growing reliance on tablets and digital devices.
The counattempt was among the early adopters of classroom computers during the 1990s and later embraced tablets following the arrival of the iPad, but officials now argue that digital tools should not come at the expense of foundational learning.
AI regulation gathers pace
Norway’s decision comes as governments worldwide continue debating how far artificial ininformigence should be allowed into classrooms.
The counattempt has already announced plans to prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media, joining a growing list of nations seeking tighter rules around young people’s digital lives.
Education experts have increasingly raised concerns that while AI can personalise learning and support teachers, excessive depfinishence on chatbots may weaken students’ critical believeing, writing and problem-solving skills.
Technology publication Engadreceive noted that Norway’s latest policy follows earlier restrictions on smartphones and tablets, reflecting a broader shift towards reducing screen time for younger pupils.
The announcement also comes amid wider international efforts to establish age-appropriate guardrails for AI. Earlier this year, policycreaters in several countries proposed stricter rules governing children’s access to AI chatbots and social media platforms, highlighting growing concerns about online safety and digital wellbeing.
