Public and private schools in Abudhabi ban mobile phones and smartwatches on school premises

Mobile phones and smartwatches are prohibited on school grounds, and the majority of public and private schools have started to strictly enforce this rule.

In accordance with Ministerial Resolution No. (851) of 2018 regarding the Student Behaviour Management Regulations in public education institutions, both public and private schools in Abu Dhabi have warned students not to bring cell phones to class in order to prevent potential harm, encourage positive behaviour, ensure student safety, and protect privacy.

School administrators who are putting the policy into effect have confirmed that the prohibition on smart device use in classrooms is final and cannot be changed. Any phone discovered in a student's possession will be seized and not given back until the conclusion of the school year, they emphasized.

Parents and students must formally declare their commitment to this policy by signing pledges. Schools stated that disciplinary actions will be used consistently to ensure a disciplined and productive learning environment, and that the total prohibition on cell phones is in accordance with the Ministry of Education's regulations.