China has introduced a nationwide policy requiring artificial intelligence (AI) education for all primary and secondary school students, making the subject compulsory for children as young as six years old.
The initiative, approved by China’s Ministry of Education, is part of the country’s broader New Generation AI Development Plan, which seeks to strengthen technological innovation and support long-term growth in the digital economy.
Under the policy, schools across the country are required to provide students with at least eight hours of structured AI instruction each year. AI studies have also been incorporated into the national curriculum, with schools given the option of integrating the subject into existing science and technology courses or offering it as a standalone discipline.
According to Chinese education authorities, the curriculum has been designed around three stages corresponding to students’ ages and cognitive development.
At the primary school level, children aged between six and 12 will be introduced to basic AI concepts through practical and interactive learning activities. These include lessons involving smart devices, voice recognition systems, image classification, pattern recognition and robotics.
For students aged 13 to 15 in junior secondary school, the curriculum expands to include machine learning, data algorithms and AI ethics. Learners will also be taught how to critically assess AI-generated content and identify misinformation produced by artificial intelligence systems.
Senior secondary students aged between 16 and 18 will focus on more advanced applications, including the development of simple AI models, algorithmic thinking and interdisciplinary technology projects aimed at fostering innovation.
The programme, which took effect on September 1, 2025, applies to all students between the ages of six and 18. Chinese officials said the policy supports the country’s “AI+ Initiative” and wider industrial strategy aimed at cultivating what it describes as “new productive forces” to drive future economic growth.
Analysts have described the move as one of the world’s most ambitious digital education reforms, positioning China to develop a technologically skilled workforce from an early age.
However, the policy has sparked debate among educators and child development experts. Some psychologists have expressed concerns that excessive dependence on AI tools could undermine critical thinking and problem-solving skills among young learners.
Others have warned that increased reliance on AI-powered educational platforms may reduce face-to-face interaction and affect students’ social development. Education experts have also highlighted implementation challenges, particularly the shortage of teachers with specialised AI training in rural communities, which could deepen existing disparities in educational access and quality.
