Norway Imposes Strict Restrictions on AI Use for Elementary School Students

Norway is introducing strict limitations on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in primary schools, according to a Reuters report. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere stated at a press conference that AI allows children to skip essential learning steps, and schools should focus on teaching reading, writing, and mathematics.

The restrictions will take effect at the start of the new school year in late August. They apply to students from first to seventh grade, i.e., children aged 6 to 13. However, the policy also partially affects teenagers: those aged 14 to 16 may use generative AI only with teacher supervision, while those 17 and older are encouraged to use AI appropriately on their own.

This is not Norway's first move to limit technology in classrooms. In 2024, the country banned smartphones in schools, which has proven successful: it led to reduced bullying, better grades, and a significant decrease in visits to psychologists for mental health issues, especially among girls.

Norway also plans to introduce a social media ban for all children under 16, similar to Australia's approach. A bill will be submitted to parliament by the end of the year.

The United States is also gradually restricting children's time with AI chatbots. The Senate and House have been discussing a bill requiring AI companies to implement age verification and ban providing chatbots to minors. The so-called GUARD Act has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee but has not yet been voted on. The bill's language has softened recently—originally targeting nearly all AI-powered chatbots, it now only refers to "AI companions," potentially exempting products like ChatGPT, Gemini, and CoPilot. Critics argue that the narrower wording could allow companies to avoid the requirements if the chatbot function is deemed "incidental."