Dutch MPs back call to ban generative AI in primary schools
The Dutch lower house voted on 3 November to ask the cabinet to stop primary pupils using generative AI. No ban is in force. The state secretary for education advised against the motion and will publish her plan in December.
The Dutch House of Representatives voted on 3 November 2026 for a motion asking the cabinet to ban primary school pupils from using generative AI.
The parliamentary record, which is in Dutch, shows 117 of the 150 seats in favour on a show of hands. The VVD, BBB, FVD and one independent MP voted against. The motion asks the cabinet to include the ban in a digitalisation plan for education that it is preparing.
I believe in the opportunities AI offers us, but at the same time generative AI is widening learning gaps.
Judith Tielen, the state secretary for education, advised against the motion in the debate on 29 October. She said she understood the concern but needed more time. She asked Volt leader Laurens Dassen to hold the motion back until her plan is ready in December. He refused.
Volt and the CDA said children should learn to read, write and do arithmetic before they use AI, the Dutch-language Hart van Nederland reported. The parties cited PISA research and said pupils who use generative AI score 20 points lower in science on average. They still encourage teachers to use AI to improve lessons.
The PO-Raad, which represents primary schools, said early research shows pupils learn less when they use generative AI heavily, DutchNews reported. It also said a total ban came out of the blue and that it would prefer an agreement with the ministry.
For Dutch parents and teachers, nothing changes yet. A motion is a request to the cabinet and does not change the law.
DutchNews said new learning goals due in 2027 require primary pupils to explore AI and learn to use it responsibly. It said the motion does not rule out teaching children about AI. Dassen told MPs the motion treats generative AI and educational AI as different things.
It is not yet known whether the cabinet will carry out the ban. It is also not known how a ban would define generative AI or how schools would apply it.
Sources
- Tweede Kamer Motie van het lid Dassen c.s. over het onderwijssysteem integraal aanpassen op AI (motion text and vote, in Dutch)
- Tweede Kamer Plenary record of 29 October 2026 (in Dutch)
- DutchNews MPs call for ban on generative AI in primary schools
- Hart van Nederland Brede steun in Kamer voor voorstel om generatieve AI op basisscholen te weren (in Dutch)