DUBAI: The UAE has introduced stringent penalties for schools that fail to protect students from bullying and neglect. Schools can now face fines of up to Dh1 million (approximately Rs. 76.65 million), possible prison terms for staff, and even closures.
The new regulations apply to both public and private schools and aim to ensure a safe and supportive environment for students. These rules build on the National Child Protection Policy and provide hotlines and emergency numbers for reporting incidents.
Legal expert Motez Fanous highlighted that the UAE has created a comprehensive legal framework to protect students from all forms of abuse, including physical, psychological, and sexual. The updated laws include federal provisions like Decree Law No. 18 of 2020 on private education and Wadeema’s Law on child protection.
Sanctions for non-compliance can range from fines starting at Dh10,000 to as high as Dh1 million. In more severe cases, schools could be shut down, and responsible individuals could face up to a year in prison if found guilty of serious harm.
Fanous emphasized that accountability extends beyond schools themselves, holding principals, teachers, and staff accountable for engaging in corporal punishment, neglecting basic needs, or subjecting students to humiliation or abuse.
Psychologist Dr. Samer Al Khateeb explained that the policy’s goal is not just to prevent abuse, but to foster the long-term well-being of children. He stated that bullying and neglect can harm a child’s confidence and development, and these new rules will encourage schools to adopt proactive measures, including ongoing teacher training and improved reporting systems.
