DUBAI: The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced a new rule banning students from bringing mobile phones into schools. This applies to both public and private schools following the national curriculum, aiming to improve the learning environment and reduce distractions. The policy also focuses on ensuring the privacy and safety of students and teachers.
According to the directive, mobile phones found on school premises will be immediately confiscated. For a first offense, phones will be held for a month, while repeated violations will see the phones kept until the end of the school year. The Ministry is taking a firm stance to ensure students respect school rules.
In line with privacy concerns, the directive stresses that confiscated phones will not be searched for personal content unless there are exceptional circumstances, with strict procedures in place to protect students’ rights. If a phone is used to record teachers or classmates without consent, the case will be referred to the Child Rights Unit for further action.
The Ministry is calling for parents to support the new policy, ensuring effective communication between schools and families to reinforce discipline and compliance. Schools will inform parents of the rules and ask for their cooperation to ensure students follow the guidelines.
To maintain transparency, all mobile phone confiscation instances will be documented, and parents must sign a form after their child’s phone is taken. Schools will also conduct awareness sessions to highlight the negative impact of mobile phone use on academic performance and focus.
The Ministry is committed to providing a distraction-free learning environment, helping students thrive in a disciplined atmosphere. It is hoped that both students and parents will support this initiative for the benefit of the wider educational community.
