Norway bans generative AI in elementary schools, brings back paper textbooks

Norway announced a ban on generative AI tools in all elementary schools (grades 1-7, ages 6-13) starting this August. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre says the main job of schools is to teach kids reading, writing, and math, and using AI without thinking makes them skip important learning steps.

Since around 2015, Norwegian students' learning results have been dropping, and smartphones, screens, and algorithms are seen as key reasons. Under the new rules, middle school students (ages 14-16) can use AI carefully only with a teacher watching. The government also plans to pass laws requiring schools to provide physical textbooks, bringing more paper books back to classrooms.