UAE public schools ban laptops for Grade 6 students under new digital learning rules

Dubai: Public school administrations have informed parents that Grade 6 students in the general and advanced streams will no longer be allowed to bring laptops to school from tomorrow (September 14, 2026) and throughout the academic year, under a newly approved Guide to Reducing the Use of Digital Tools in Learning. The measure applies only to Grade 6 students and is designed to restore greater reliance on textbooks, handwritten notes, classroom discussions and direct interaction between students and teachers, while retaining technology as a supporting educational tool rather than a permanent classroom requirement. In circulars sent to parents, schools instructed families not to send laptops with their children and to keep the devices at home until the end of the school year. Schools clarified that the decision does not represent a complete ban on technology or educational platforms. Instead, the use of computers will be regulated and limited to situations where students need to access digital learning platforms, educational resources or specific assignments from home. Under the new approach, laptop use will shift from daily classroom use to targeted home-based use linked to clearly defined educational needs. School administrations said the framework establishes two complementary learning environments: A classroom environment centred on textbooks, notebooks, activities and direct interaction. A home-based environment where computers and digital platforms are used when required and under the guidance of subject teachers. According to schools, the new guidelines aim to encourage direct reading from textbooks, note-taking, handwritten assignments, classroom activities and collaborative learning, while reducing dependence on computers for explaining content or completing routine tasks. The guidelines also place greater responsibility on families to supervise computer use at home by ensuring it relates to genuine academic tasks, setting time limits for platform use and separating educational activities from personal browsing. Schools said successful implementation will require cooperation between schools, teachers and parents, with schools managing device use during the school day, teachers determining when digital resources are necessary and families monitoring home-based assignments. Meanwhile, public schools have begun identifying students who have not yet received Ministry of Education-issued laptops in preparation for submitting their details and completing procedures related to device provision. The data collection exercise includes students up to Grade 10 in both the general and advanced streams and requires information such as the student's name, ministry number, Emirates ID number, grade, class section and parent details. Schools said ministry-issued devices will be distributed only through the Ministry of Education and urged parents not to visit schools regarding device distribution until official announcements are made.