Norway to largely restrict generative AI use in elementary schools

Norway is implementing a near-total ban on generative AI for elementary students and imposing strict limits for older children, aiming to safeguard foundational learning. This move follows a smartphone ban and declining test scores. Younger students (6-13) will largely avoid AI, while older students (14-19) will have supervised or educational use. The nation is also reintroducing physical books, reversing its earlier embrace of digital technology.

Norway is imposing a near ban on the ⁠use of generative ⁠AI tools by elementary ⁠school pupils while also restricting their use in the education of older children to prevent a negative impact on learning, the country’s prime minister has said. Facing a broad decline in education test ‌scores, the government in 2024 banned smartphones from schools and has given teachers back more powers to enforce discipline in the classroom. Using artificial intelligence increased the risk that young children...

Norway has announced a near-total ban on generative AI tools in elementary schools, citing concerns about learning and development. The decision follows growing debate among researchers, educators, and policymakers about the long-term effects of AI on how people learn and think.

Norway will largely prohibit generative AI use for elementary kids ages 6 to 13 beginning with the new school year, while allowing limited, teacher-supervised use for older students. The government says the restrictions are intended to prevent children from skipping foundational reading, writing, and mathematics skills amid declining test scores. Reuters reports: Facing a broad decline in education test scores, the government in 2024 banned smartphones from schools and has given teachers back more powers to enforce discipline in the classroom. Using AI increases the risk that young children skip important steps in their education, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere told a press conference on Friday. "The most important thing in school is that our children learn to read, write and do mathematics," Stoere said, adding that the new standards will be imposed from the new school year beginning in late August. Pupils from first through seventh grade, aged 6 to 13, should as a general rule not be using AI, while those in lower secondary school, aged 14 to 16, can cautiously adopt tools under teachers' supervision, the government said. In upper secondary education, from ages 17 to 19, students should learn to use AI appropriately so that they are prepared for further education and work, it added. In a related statement, the Norwegian government also said it would propose legislation to fund the use of more books in classrooms, reversing the trend towards computer tablets. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Norway will reportedly ban young kids from using AI in schools.

Comments