Norway is prohibiting generative AI in primary schools beginning this fall.

      Norway will prohibit the use of generative AI tools by elementary school students starting in late August, as announced by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Friday. This ban affects first through seventh graders, specifically ages six to 13, according to Reuters.

      During a press conference, Støre expressed concerns that AI could hinder children from mastering essential educational skills. “The most crucial aspect of school is that our children learn to read, write, and perform mathematics,” he stated.

      The restrictions will also apply to older students but in a modified manner. Those aged 14 to 16 can use generative AI only under teacher supervision. Students aged 17 and above are encouraged to use AI tools independently and responsibly.

      Norway has previously taken steps to limit technology in educational settings, having banned smartphones in schools in 2024. This measure has shown positive outcomes, as a study by researcher Sara Abrahamsson involving over 400 Norwegian middle schools indicated that the ban reduced bullying, improved academic performance, and led to a roughly 60% decline in visits to psychology specialists, with noticeable effects among girls.

      The AI restrictions align with the rationale behind the smartphone ban: protecting young students from technology that may disrupt foundational learning. Nevertheless, while the smartphone ban was implemented amid falling national test scores, it remains uncertain whether the use of generative AI in Norwegian schools has reached a level that would cause similar adverse effects.

      Norway is also working on limiting children's access to social media. In April, the government announced plans to pass legislation to prohibit social media use for those under 16, aiming to present the bill to parliament by late 2026. This initiative is similar to Australia’s pioneering social media ban for under-16s, which took effect in December 2025.

      This trend is not exclusive to Norway; the UK is considering its own social media ban for those under 16, while multiple EU nations are contemplating comparable actions. A broader question for governments is whether restricting technology access is more effective than regulating the products themselves, a debate playing out amid increasing lawsuits against AI companies concerning child safety.

      In the US, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously moved forward with the GUARD Act in late April, a bill intending to prohibit AI companions for minors and necessitate age verification. Initially broader, the bill’s focus has since narrowed to “AI companions,” defined as chatbots that simulate prolonged interpersonal relationships, rather than encompassing all AI-powered chatbots. This can potentially exempt tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot, although critics warn that companies might exploit this distinction.

      Norway's approach is straightforward but distinct. Instead of attempting to classify harmful versus safe AI tools, it establishes an age limit and assigns enforcement duties to schools. The country’s experience with its smartphone ban suggests this method may be effective, particularly in a classroom setting.

      However, questions remain about its sufficiency. Generative AI is available on any internet-connected device, and a ban during school hours does not restrict children's actions at home. Norway’s upcoming social media legislation, which would require platforms to enforce age verification, aims to address part of this issue.

      Yet, no nation has successfully tackled the challenge of enforcing age restrictions on AI tools outside institutional environments. Norway is banking on the classroom as a strategic starting point.