Norway becomes first European country to ban generative AI in primary schools

Norway has announced it will become the first European country to ban generative artificial intelligence in schools for younger students, prohibiting the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT for children aged 6 to 13 starting from the next academic year. According to El Mundo, the Norwegian government is also preparing a legislative proposal to restore paper textbooks as the primary instructional material in classrooms. The measure responds to growing concerns among educators and policymakers about the impact of AI on critical thinking, reading comprehension, and foundational learning skills. Early evidence from pilot programs that reduced screen time and AI-assisted learning showed improvements in student concentration and writing abilities. The policy represents a significant departure from the technology-integration trend dominant in most Western education systems, and has sparked debate across Europe about the appropriate role of AI in childhood education. Norway's move may influence other Nordic countries and potentially shape EU-level discussions on AI regulation in educational settings.