UAE Ministry of Education Bans Phones in Schools, Announces New Inspection Rules
📅 Effective Date: August 27, 2025
The new regulations outline clear rules for inspections, phone confiscation, and administrative accountability for schools, based on Ministerial Resolution No. (851) of 2018.
Key Details of the New Regulations
🔍 Inspection Rules
Schools must conduct regular, respectful inspection campaigns. Inspectors are prohibited from physically touching students, and searches are limited to bags and personal belongings. Students are required to display their items for transparency.
📱 Phone Confiscation Policy
Any mobile phone found in a student’s possession will be confiscated:
- First offence: Phone held for one month
- Repeated violations: Phone withheld until the end of the academic year
👨👩👧👦 Parental Notification
Parents will be immediately notified of any violation and must sign official forms upon confiscation and return of the device.
🏫 Administrative Accountability
The Ministry stressed that any school failing to comply with these new instructions will be subject to administrative accountability.
Why the Ban Was Implemented
The Ministry’s decision is not an attack on technology, but a regulatory measure aimed at providing a safe and productive environment for students. It is also designed to safeguard the integrity of the examination process.
Benefits of the Phone Ban in Examination Halls:
- Prevent Cheating: Phones are a primary tool for academic dishonesty
- Ensure Fairness: Guarantees a level playing field for all students
- Reduce Distractions: Promotes a calm and focused environment
- Prevent Exam Leaks: Stops unauthorised circulation of exam papers
- Promote Discipline: Reinforces values of honesty and self-reliance
Moving Forward
The Ministry affirmed its commitment to fostering a disciplined school environment and emphasised the importance of close cooperation between schools and families to ensure full compliance with the new regulations.
This policy change reflects the UAE’s dedication to maintaining high educational standards while adapting to modern challenges in the digital age. Schools, parents, and students will need to work together to ensure successful implementation of these new guidelines.
💡 Key Takeaway
This comprehensive phone ban represents a balanced approach to technology in education, prioritising student focus and academic integrity while maintaining respectful enforcement procedures.