Slovakia introduces AI literacy in primary schools, with a focus on critical thinking and mental health

Artificial intelligence is becoming a normal part of the daily lives of children and young people. In response, the Slovak Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth (MŠVVaM SR) has introduced AI literacy into primary school education.

According to the ministry, this places Slovakia among the first countries to take a holistic approach to developing AI competences. The aim is not only to build a technical understanding of how algorithms work, but also to strengthen pupils’ emotional resilience and mental health.

“If we do nothing today, in a few years we will not be dealing with technology, but with the consequences of its impact on children. We will have children who trust the machine more than their friend, sibling or parent …. We are dealing with a person – a young person shaped today by an artificial intelligence environment”, warns Education Minister Tomáš Drucker.

AI literacy has been part of primary education since March 2026. Rather than following a passing trend, the ministry aims to build a basic competence for living in a digital society.

Schools encourage pupils to understand how AI works, to critically evaluate its outputs, and to use it safely and responsibly.

At the same time, Slovakia explicitly links AI literacy with mental health. Today, young people are turning to technology even in situations that require human understanding. Quick answers can create the illusion of a relationship, but technology does not replace real connection between people.

New teaching materials for teachers and pupils

In cooperation with the organisation Emocionálny kompas (Emotional Compass), the ministry has prepared new methodological materials for schools. The first set focuses on pupils aged 11 to 15, a period when young people are shaping their identity and are particularly sensitive to acceptance or rejection. The activities help teachers discuss both technology and emotions, develop critical thinking and support responsible decision-making among pupils.

Pupils learn to work with emotions, develop flexible thinking, make decisions and build healthy relationships. At the same time, they learn that AI can offer suggestions, but that they must make the final decisions themselves.

In June 2026, the ministry published a second set of materials for younger primary pupils aged 6 to 10. These activities are based on play, movement, drawing and conversation, with all AI-related activities led by the teacher.

A systematic approach to AI in education

These measures are part of Slovakia’s Plan for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education 2025–2027. The ministry plans to gradually integrate AI literacy into several subjects, prepare a competence framework for teachers and provide systematic training for teaching staff. AI literacy is also set to be extended to secondary schools by the end of 2026.

Source: Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic