Schools across the UAE now have difficult new fines for failing to protect students from bullying and neglect, with fines of up to DH1 million (Rs. 76.65 million), positive conditions for staff and the Eve School closures.
The rules are applied to public as well as private schools, and animation to guarantee a safe and support environment. They elaborate on the national child protection policy and offer official lightning lines and emergency numbers for reporting incidents.
Legal consultant Motez Fanous said the UAE has developed a ‘Comprhens legal framework’ to protect students from physical, psychological and sexual abuse. He pointed to federal laws as decided on the legislation no. 18 of 2020 on Private Education, the Child Protection Act (Wadema’s Law), and Guidelines for Student Behavior.
Sanctions can range from warnings to fines starting from DH10,000 (Rs. 7.66 Lac) and rise to DH1 million. In severe cases, schools can be closed, and individuals responsible can be jailed for one year if they are convicted of serious damage to students.
Fanous emphasized that liability is not limited to schools as institutes. ‘Principals, teachers or staff members can also be punished if they participate in corporal punishment, deny students or basic needs, or subject them to humiliation or abuse.
The psychologist dr. Sammer Al Khateeb added that the policy is intended to do more than prevent abuse-it is designed to support children’s long-term. “Bullying or neglect can deeply damage the confidence and growth of a child,” he said. “These strict rules drive schools to adopt preventative steps such as ongoing teacher training and Strger reporting systems.”
