Norway imposes near ban on AI in elementary school

Norway will impose a near ban on generative AI tools in elementary schools starting in August 2026, with additional restrictions for older students, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere announced. The policy aims to prevent negative impacts on learning, citing concerns that such tools may hinder the development of fundamental skills. The ban applies specifically to generative AI technologies, while other digital tools may still be permitted.

The restrictions for older students are less stringent than the near ban for elementary schools, though specific details have not been fully outlined. Stoere stated that the government is taking a precautionary approach to ensure that children's education is not compromised by rapidly advancing AI capabilities. The announcement comes amid broader global debates about the role of AI in classrooms.

The measure is set to take effect at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. It represents one of the most explicit government interventions in AI use in education to date. Other countries are expected to monitor Norway's implementation as they consider their own policies regarding AI in schools.