Abu Dhabi public and private schools ban smartphones and smartwatches

Government and private schools in Abu Dhabi have issued warnings against students bringing mobile phones to school premises, in accordance with Ministerial Resolution No. (851) of 2018 regarding the Student Behaviour Management Regulations in public educational institutions.

School administrations emphasised that if a student is found with a mobile phone, it will be confiscated, and the parent or guardian will be notified of the violation. The parent must sign Form 24 upon confiscation and Form 25 when the phone is returned.

The phone will be held for one month on the first offense and until the end of the academic year for repeated violations. If the phone contains photos of teachers, students, or staff, the case will be referred to the Child Rights Unit for necessary action.

School authorities affirmed that the ban also extends to smart watches and electronic gaming devices, which will be confiscated immediately. Additionally, cameras are prohibited unless prior coordination and a clear purpose for their use are established, to ensure the proper use of technological devices within the school environment, protect privacy, and enhance discipline.