Norway has decided to ban the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in primary schools as part of efforts to protect children's core learning processes following concerns over declining academic performance.

The Norwegian government says the move is aimed at reducing the negative impact of digitalisation on education and reinforcing fundamental literacy and numeracy skills among young learners.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told a press conference that excessive reliance on AI tools could allow children to bypass critical stages of the learning process.

Støre said schools' primary responsibility is to ensure that children acquire essential reading, writing and basic mathematics skills, adding that the new rules will take effect from the beginning of the new academic year, which starts at the end of August.

The government had previously introduced a nationwide ban on smartphones in schools as part of broader efforts to improve academic achievement and restore classroom discipline.

Under the new policy, pupils aged between six and 13, covering the first seven years of compulsory education, will generally not be permitted to use AI tools.

Students aged 14 to 16 will be allowed to use AI only under the close supervision of their teachers and in a limited, carefully controlled manner.

The government said students aged 17 to 19 should instead learn how to use AI responsibly in preparation for higher education and working life.

Norway began introducing computers into classrooms in the 1990s and tablets in the early 2010s, gradually moving away from traditional teaching methods based on printed books and handwriting.

Alongside the AI restrictions, the government is also preparing new legislation aimed at reversing parts of that digitalisation trend.

The proposed measures include reducing the use of tablets in classrooms and establishing a dedicated fund to increase the availability of printed textbooks in schools.(ILKHA)