Norway Bans AI in Primary Schools: A Necessary Brake?

What happened?

The Norwegian government, led by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, has imposed unprecedented restrictions on the use of generative artificial intelligence in schools. According to Reuters, starting from the new school year (late August), students in first through seventh grade (ages 6-13) will not be allowed to use AI tools. Lower secondary students (ages 14-16) may use them only under teacher supervision, while upper secondary students (ages 17-19) will be encouraged to use them responsibly to prepare for higher education and work. The measure, announced on June 20, 2025, was described by the prime minister as necessary to prevent children from “skipping important steps” in their education, according to statements reported by Reuters. The ban applies to tools such as ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Microsoft's Copilot, among others, although the government did not specify a closed list.

Why is it important?

This decision is part of a global trend of rethinking the role of technology in education. In 2024, Norway already banned smartphones in schools and restored more disciplinary authority to teachers. Prime Minister Støre stated: “The most important thing in school is that our children learn to read, write, and do math.” The measure reflects concern over declining results in educational tests, such as the 2022 PISA report, where Norway fell in math (from 511 to 495 points) and reading (from 504 to 481), though it remains above the OECD average. The risk that AI might replace fundamental cognitive processes is central: a 2024 study from Stanford University suggests that excessive use of AI tools can reduce critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in young students. Other countries like Sweden and France have also limited screen use at early ages, but Norway is a pioneer in specifically restricting generative AI. In France, for example, the government recommended in 2024 limiting screen use for children under 3 and banning phones in primary schools, but it did not directly address AI. In contrast, Denmark has adopted a more permissive approach, integrating AI into the secondary school curriculum since 2023.

Consequences for the education and technology sectors

For technology companies, especially those marketing educational AI tools (such as OpenAI, Google, or Microsoft), this ban represents a setback in one of the most promising markets. According to a 2024 HolonIQ report, the global AI in education market will reach $6 billion in 2025, with annual growth of 45%. Norway is not a massive market (about 5.5 million inhabitants), but its leadership could set a precedent for other Nordic and European countries. Indeed, Norwegian Education Minister Kari Nessa Nordtun stated that she expects other countries to follow suit, as reported by the newspaper Aftenposten. On the other hand, the measure strengthens the publishing industry: the government will propose legislation to fund more textbooks in classrooms, reversing the trend toward tablets. This could benefit publishers like Gyldendal or Aschehoug, which have seen their physical book sales decline in recent years. In contrast, companies like Kahoot! (Norwegian) or ClassDojo could see their business models affected, although Kahoot! has already diversified into the corporate market.

What should readers know?

The Norwegian decision is not a total rejection of AI, but a strategic pause to protect children's cognitive development. Pedagogy experts debate whether AI can personalize learning or, on the contrary, erode basic skills. A meta-analysis published in Computers & Education (2024) found that AI can improve performance on specific tasks, but there is no conclusive evidence on its long-term impact on primary education. Norway opts for caution, based on the precautionary principle. For businesses and educators, the lesson is that technological adoption must be balanced with scientific evidence and pedagogical values. Additionally, the measure could have economic implications: a 2023 World Bank study estimates that automation and AI could displace up to 14% of jobs in Nordic countries, and an education based on human skills could be a competitive advantage. However, critics such as the Norwegian Association of Computer Science Teachers warn that banning AI could leave students unprepared for a labor market that demands digital skills. The debate is open, and Norway, with its tradition of educational innovation, becomes a laboratory for the rest of the world.