ABU DHABI: The move is aligned with Ministerial Resolution No. (851) of 2018, public and private institutions have tightened controls on smart devices within school grounds.
Under the new enforcement measures, any student found with a mobile phone or smartwatch will have the device confiscated, with no return until the end of the academic term for repeat violations. Schools have stressed that the ban is “final and non-negotiable,” and students and parents are now required to sign official pledges acknowledging the policy.
The regulation extends beyond phones, prohibiting smartwatches, electronic gaming devices, and cameras (unless pre-approved). Laptops and tablets remain the only permitted devices for educational use. Violations will lead to disciplinary action, including exclusion from extracurricular activities and school trips.
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If a device is confiscated, parents must sign Form 24 during seizure and Form 25 for return. First-time violations result in a one-month confiscation, while repeated offences lead to a ban lasting the entire academic year. If inappropriate content—such as images of students or teachers—is discovered, the matter will be escalated to the Child Protection Unit.
In a circular to parents, school administrations cited growing concerns over the negative impact of mobile phones on learning, including distraction, lower academic performance, and potential bullying. Administrators underlined that mobile phones are not to be used as educational tools, urging students to record passwords and study materials manually instead of relying on digital devices.
Parents are encouraged to play an active role by attending awareness sessions and reinforcing the importance of positive behaviour at home. Schools reiterated that their ultimate aim is to cultivate a disciplined, focused learning environment that upholds high educational standards and supports student well-being.
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