The UAE Ministry of Education has banned mobile phones in schools and exam halls, introducing strict inspection and confiscation rules. Phones will be withheld for one month after the first offense, and until the end of the academic year for repeat cases. The move aims to prevent cheating, ensure fairness, reduce distractions, and maintain discipline.
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Ministry of Education has officially banned students from bringing mobile phones to schools and announced strict new inspection and confiscation procedures. The move is part of efforts to protect students, ensure discipline, and promote a safe learning environment.
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In a circular issued to school principals and kindergartens, the Ministry cited Ministerial Resolution No. 851 of 2018 on Student Behavior Management Regulations, which identifies bringing mobile phones or misusing communication devices as a violation.
Schools are now required to conduct regular inspection campaigns to detect phones on school grounds. However, these checks must respect student privacy. Inspectors cannot physically search students; instead, students must display their belongings before inspection committees.
According to the Ministry, any mobile phone found in a student’s possession will be confiscated. Parents will be notified immediately, and confiscation will follow these rules:
First violation: Phone withheld for one month.
Repeat violation: Phone withheld until the end of the academic year.
If students use phones for unlawful or offensive purposes, they will also face disciplinary actions outlined in the regulation.
Parents will be informed of violations through official notification forms. Form 24 will be signed upon confiscation, and Form 25 upon return of the device. Schools must summon parents to review details of the violation, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The Ministry warned that failure by schools to enforce the ban constitutes an administrative violation. Schools may be held accountable if they neglect inspections, confiscations, or reporting procedures.
At the same time, schools have been urged to intensify awareness programs for students and parents about the importance of compliance and the risks associated with phone misuse.
The Ministry also outlined five key reasons for banning phones in exam settings:
Preventing Cheating: Phones give access to internet searches, messaging, and cameras.
Ensuring Equal Opportunities: Not all students have the same devices, risking unfair advantages.
Reducing Distractions: Notifications or even the presence of a phone may cause anxiety.
Preventing Exam Leaks: Phones have been used to circulate exam papers online.
Promoting Discipline: Encourages honesty, integrity, and independence during assessments.
Officials emphasized that the ban is not anti-technology but a regulatory measure to protect fairness, discipline, and the credibility of assessments.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing a disciplined and secure school environment that protects students’ rights and fosters strong educational values. Cooperation between schools and families is considered vital to achieving full compliance.
