UAE: Most schools ban social media, mobile use for students on campus

UAE: Most schools ban social media, mobile use for students on campus

Principals say they continuously raise awareness and provide guidance on the usage of social media in assemblies and through workshops

Published: Tue 29 Aug 2023, 4:22 PM

Certain private schools in Dubai have introduced partial or complete prohibitions on students using social media applications while the school is in session.

While headteachers acknowledge that social media continues to be a part of students’ lives, but they highlight misusing such platforms constitutes a risky infringement of school regulations which is even considered to be a criminal offence.

Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, Senior Vice President – Education and Superintendent/CEO of GEMS Al Khaleej International School, said, “We make sure that we share all communication guides with parents and students, and it is important to ensure that the whole school community is fully aware that the misuse of social media, to defame an individual or institution or share inaccurate or inappropriate information, is criminalised under Articles 20, 24 and 32 from Federal Decree-Law no. (5) of 2012 on Combatting Cybercrimes.”

“Students are not allowed to use mobile phones in the school. Social media is banned during school hours,” she added.

In certain schools students are asked to request permission should they need to post pictures from the school on their social