House of representatives votes on ai in the classroom and digital learning resources.

House of representatives votes on ai in the classroom and digital learning resources.

Last week we wrote about the debate in the House of Representatives about mobile phones at school, laptops and digitalization in education. A vote has now been held on the proposals (motions). In this article we give you an update.

Position of Ouders & Onderwijs

Devices and digital learning materials are now indispensable in the classroom. Ouders & Onderwijs finds it important that digitalization contributes to good education and equal opportunities for all children.

We therefore advocate for:

• equal (free) access to digital learning materials: costs for mandatory digital tools, such as laptops, should not be a barrier for parents
• careful use of AI, allowing students to keep learning to think and write independently
• clear and feasible rules at school about phone use

Free laptops and tablets one step closer

The motion to extend the law on free schoolbooks has been adopted. This means the cabinet will investigate if and how laptops and tablets could also fall under this scheme.

Strict rules for mobile phones: ‘at home or in the locker’

The motion for a national guideline for phone use has been adopted by the state secretary. This means no separate vote was needed, but the request will be carried out.

The core remains: phones must not be used during school hours. ‘At home or in the locker’ is the motto.

In the Staat van de Ouder 2026 we investigated what parents now think about the mobile phone policy.

Less screen time, more reading and writing

The motion to limit screen use in the classroom and instead make reading from books and writing by hand the standard again has been adopted. Digital tools remain allowed, but only if they really add value to the lesson.

Clarity about AI in writing assignments

The motion to support schools and teachers in dealing with AI in education has also been adopted.

The cabinet will work together with the education sector to look at:

• how writing assignments can be given
• how tests can be adjusted
• how to prevent students from letting AI do everything

More attention to digital autonomy

Finally, a motion has also been adopted that focuses on more digital autonomy in education. This means that schools should become less dependent on large (commercial) tech companies and have more control over their digital tools.