UAE kindergartens, public schools to seize phones found with students for a month

Mohamed Ibrahim, Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has notified the administrations of government schools and kindergartens, requiring them to adhere to the established controls and mechanisms for addressing instances where students bring mobile phones onto school premises.

The Ministry explained that if a student is found to be in possession of a mobile phone inside the school premises, it will be confiscated and held for a month, in accordance with the procedures specified in the Student Behaviour Management Regulations.

Parents will be notified of the violation and must sign Form 24 when the phone is confiscated, and Form 25 when the phone is returned.

In the event of repetition of the violation, the phone will be confiscated until the end of the school year.

In the event that the phone contains images of teachers, students, or employees, it will be transferred to the Child Rights Unit for further action.

The Ministry stressed the necessity of implementing the disciplinary measures set forth in the Code of Conduct with regard to the use of mobile phones for illicit, unethical and offensive purposes as outlined in the Code.

In the event of any violation related to the use of mobile phones, parents must be contacted immediately. They must be summoned to be informed of the violation and the measures taken in accordance with the Code of Conduct. They must also sign the confiscation forms and comply with the requirements set out therein.

In the event that the educational establishment in question fails to comply with the aforementioned directives or does not apply the code of conduct as set forth herein, such an action shall be deemed an administrative infraction that may result in the institution being held to account.

It is incumbent upon the administration to apprise both parents and students of the latest developments set forth in the directives, with particular emphasis on the prescribed period of confiscation of mobile devices.

The Ministry has established regulations governing the use of mobile phones by students on school premises. These regulations are intended to safeguard students' privacy while ensuring that disciplinary procedures can be implemented in cases of violations.

This approach is based on Ministerial Resolution No. (851) of 2018, which outlines the regulations for managing student behaviour in public education institutions.

The Ministry emphasised the necessity of abstaining from bringing mobile phones onto the school premises for both students and parents. This is to ensure the safety and privacy of all parties involved, as well as to prevent any potential damage that may result from the presence of the phone.

Furthermore, this policy is designed to encourage positive behaviour among all members of the school community.

It posited that educational institutions must implement regular inspections to to ensure compliance with the regulations in force.

These inspections must be conducted in a manner that safeguards the privacy of students and aligns with the established regulations of the educational institution.

It also said that the process of checking students is limited to their bags and personal belongings. This is done in order to ensure transparency and respect for rights.

Furthermore, students are permitted to remove all items from their pockets or bags themselves in front of the inspection committee.