Mobile phones banned in schools across UAE: All you need to know | World News

The United Arab Emirates’ Minry of Education has announced a ban on mobile phones on school premises.
According to the Minry, the ban is aimed at protecting students from the risks associated with carrying phones and promoting positive behaviour within a safe learning environment.
Schools should confiscate phones
The Minry also issued regulations for schools for inspection and confiscation of phones found in students’ possession.
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“Schools are required to carry out regular inspection campaigns to detect mobile phones. These inspections must comply with regulations and respect students’ privacy. Inspectors are prohibited from physically touching students; searches are limited to their bags and personal belongings, with students themselves required to display their items before the inspection committee to ensure transparency and respect for rights,” the circular for schools said.
Parents to be notified
According to the Minry, any phone found in a student’s possession on school grounds will be confiscated, and their parents will be notified of the violation. Parents must also sign the official forms acknowledging the confiscation and return of the phone.
In case of the first offence a student, the phone will be confiscated for a period of one month, and in case of repetition, the phone will be withheld until the end of the academic year.
Schools are required to carry out regular inspection campaigns to detect mobile phones. (Photo: Pexels)
Schools should create awareness
As part of the measures, schools have been directed to intensify awareness programmes for students and parents, especially those concerning confiscation periods and disciplinary procedures.Story continues below this ad
It also warned schools that failure to comply with these instructions constitutes an adminrative violation that may subject them to accountability.
Private schools also ban mobile phones
While the Minry of Education’s directive is for public schools, some private schools in the UAE have also announced a similar ban on mobile phones for students.
Dubai-based Emirates International School (EIS) issued a ban on the use of mobile phones in classrooms from this academic year.
“Students will have to hand over their phones to the management or not bring them to school. This (use of mobile phones) will not be allowed at all until they finish their classes, then get them back,” Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, the owner of EIS, said.