The Ministry of Education in the UAE has recently made an important decision regarding mobile phones in schools. Starting now, students are prohibited from bringing mobile phones onto school premises, with clear guidelines established for how phones found on school grounds will be handled.
This new rule is part of Ministerial Resolution No. (851) of 2018, specifically concerning student behavior in public education institutions. It falls under Article (7), which deals with second-degree violations, specifically addressing the misuse of communication devices like mobile phones.
The Ministry’s circular to school principals and kindergartens outlines that schools must carry out regular inspection campaigns to detect mobile phones. While this is necessary to ensure the policy is followed, the Ministry has emphasized that inspections must be conducted with respect for students’ privacy. Inspectors are only allowed to check bags and personal belongings, and students must display their items for inspection to maintain transparency.
If a mobile phone is found, it will be confiscated according to the Student Behavior Management Regulation. Parents will be notified if their child violates the policy. The first offense will result in the phone being confiscated for one month, and if the student repeats the offense, the phone will be withheld until the end of the academic year.
Additionally, the Ministry has made clear that mobile phones will also be prohibited in examination halls. This is to ensure that the integrity of exams is maintained, students are treated fairly, and the school’s discipline policies are upheld.
On a related note, the UAE has also introduced a new media law this year. This regulation addresses various aspects of media and communication within the country. If you’re curious about how it could impact you, be sure to check out the details on possible violations and penalties associated with this new law.
