Dubai: Public and private schools have begun enforcing stricter measures to limit the use of mobile phones on school premises, including confiscating devices brought to school by students.
In circulars sent to parents, school administrations stressed that mobile phones are prohibited on campus, linking the measure to creating a safe, distraction-free learning environment, improving focus and academic performance, and encouraging responsible behaviour among students.
Circulars say that responses to violations are no longer limited to warnings or requests to switch off devices. Schools have already started confiscating phones found in students’ possession.
While some schools have set a retrieval period of up to one month for a first offence, parents have been informed that bringing a mobile phone onto school grounds constitutes a violation that may result in disciplinary action. Schools have also urged families to cooperate with school administrations.
Parents have been instructed to ensure their children do not bring mobile phones to school. Administrations confirmed that the ban is in line with regulations and guidelines approved by the Ministry of Education, stating that the measure is intended to ensure a safe and distraction-free learning environment.
The circulars outlined procedures for confiscated devices. For a first offence, a phone may be confiscated for one month. In cases of repeated violations, the device may be held until the end of the school year, reflecting a clear tightening of measures against repeated non-compliance.
School administrations called for greater cooperation from families to help raise a more responsible generation, stressing that reducing distractions in the school environment supports higher levels of concentration, improved academic achievement, positive behaviour, and a safer campus atmosphere.
Educational sources said schools moved quickly from issuing warnings to enforcing the rules, with phones already being confiscated from students during the school day. The move aims to turn policy into practice and prevent mobile phones from becoming a constant source of distraction in classrooms and other school facilities.
The sources added that the stricter approach is not directed at the devices themselves, but at their presence and use during school hours. With mobile phones providing access to communication, games, photography and continuous notifications, they can affect students’ concentration and engagement with teachers and classmates.