The UAE Ministry of Education has issued a directive requiring all public and private schools that follow the national curriculum to implement strict confiscation and retention measures for mobile phones brought by students onto school premises . This decision is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve the educational environment and ensure the safety and privacy of students and teachers, while reducing distractions in classrooms and preventing potential harm associated with mobile phone use. The policy aims to promote positive student behavior and improve the overall quality of student life.

According to the directive, the ministry insisted on immediate confiscation of any mobile phone found in possession of students within the school premises. This measure is in line with the student code of conduct approved by the ministry. The first offense will result in the phone being confiscated for a month, while a repeat offense will result in the phone being kept until the end of the school year, ensuring that students follow the school rules and that they are enforced without leniency .

Respect privacy

To protect student privacy, the directive specifies that confiscated phones will not be searched or examined for personal content, except in exceptional cases and under strict procedures to protect students’ rights. If necessary, a specialized commission will be called to inspect the phone. Additionally, if a student is found to have used a phone to record teachers or classmates without consent, further action will be taken to protect the rights of those involved, including referral of the case to the Child Rights Unit for appropriate action.

Awareness and cooperation

The ministry stressed the importance of parental cooperation in implementing this policy. Schools are required to inform and educate parents about the new procedures, fostering effective collaboration between the school and families to ensure students follow the guidelines. This collaboration is crucial to strengthening discipline and maintaining a conducive learning environment.

Monitoring and monitoring

To ensure compliance with the directive, the ministry asked schools to document all cases of cell phone confiscation using official forms approved by the ministry. Parents will be notified and will be required to sign a form after the phone is confiscated to ensure transparency and accountability of the process. In addition, schools are encouraged to organize awareness sessions among students on the negative impact of cell phone use on their concentration and academic performance.

The ministry remains committed to providing an optimal learning environment, free from distractions, helping students thrive in a calm and disciplined atmosphere. This initiative is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to ensure that students adopt appropriate educational behaviors and emphasize the importance of discipline in the educational process. The Ministry hopes that all students and parents will adhere to this directive, emphasizing that this action serves the best interest of students and the educational community as a whole.

Schools are encouraged to meticulously implement these instructions to create a safe and effective learning environment that enhances academic achievement, protects the privacy of students and teachers, and promotes discipline on school premises.

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