After schools, now also the House of Representatives.

In schools throughout the Netherlands, smartphones are no longer allowed in the classroom. This is not to bully them, but because of the recognition of something essential: attention is the bridge that connects us, and that bridge breaks down when our smartphone is nearby.

The rule that applies to high school students is missing in the chamber where these laws are made. Counts show that almost 40% of MPs are on their phones during debates. The debate has degenerated into a collection of monologues.

*A representative of the people who does not listen attentively represents no one.*

Why this matters

Democracy is about listening to the other person's point of view. Sincere attention makes it possible to see another person's perspective beyond your own position. Without that attention, politics shifts from dialogue to a heap of loose monologues.

Scientists from the University of Texas demonstrated in 2025 that two weeks without a smartphone internet connection improved participants' attention span, with an effect equivalent to reversing ten years of cognitive aging. Imagine what that would mean for the debate in the House of Representatives.

What we ask

No smartphones in the House of Representatives. A laptop on the table is sufficient for consulting with staff and referring to documents. After all, the difference lies in the device. A laptop is separate; you glance at it. A smartphone gives endless notifications, signals that you are not fully present, and is deeply intertwined with the attention economy. The House of Representatives has a role model function for the rest of society. Let's hold our representatives to the same standard as our school children!

Join in!

Follow the campaign via @aandacht.voor.aandacht