The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has rolled out a revised Student Behavior Policy for all schools in Abu Dhabi.
The new policy provides a uniform and clear approach to managing student misbehavior and encouraging positive behavior among educational institutions.
It classifies student offenses into four levels and stipulates 11 approved disciplinary actions to ensure fairness and safety.
The policy also prohibits 10 types of punishment, so that students are treated with dignity and respect at all times.
The new policy, according to ADEK, emphasizes guidance, support, and early intervention prior to taking disciplinary action.
Schools are encouraged to determine underlying causes of misconduct and encourage students to accept responsibility for their actions.
Encouraging Positive Behavior
The framework seeks to decrease misconduct through explicit behavioral expectations and positive disciplinary practices.
It adds a firm anti-bullying policy and encourages solving the problems through talking, counseling, and collaboration with parents.
Before applying any disciplinary action, schools must review each case, involve parents, and provide emotional or academic support.
Four Levels of Violations
The new policy categorizes 40 forms of student infractions into four types:
Level 1 – Minor Offences: Comprises lateness, violation of uniforms, incomplete homework, or abuse of electronic devices.
Level 2 – Minor Offences: Encompasses absenteeism from activities, verbal disputes, or minor damage to property.
Level 3 – Serious Offences: Entails bullying, cheating, forgery, vandalism, or physical combat.
Level 4 – Serious Offences: Includes possession of weapons, drug abuse, cybercrimes, or setting fire within school premises.
11 Approved Disciplinary Actions
Schools can impose any of 11 remedial measures, subject to the gravity of the offence.
These are verbal or written warnings, parent meetings, temporary removal from the classroom, community service, or short-term suspension.
Expulsion can only be carried out under specific conditions and has to be approved by ADEK in writing.
ADEK added that all punishments should be appropriate for the age, proportionate, and aimed at changing behavior, not punishing.
10 Banned Punishments
The policy strictly prohibits physical or psychological punishment of any kind.
It also prohibits shaming students publicly, withholding water or food, or isolating students as a means of discipline.
Schools cannot use grade deductions or share a student’s personal information without permission as a form of punishment.
Promoting Respect and Responsibility
ADEK stressed that schools need to practice respect, integrity, and responsibility based on the UAE’s cultural values.
ADEK will train teachers on the new policy and encourage them to regularly provide positive reinforcement for student behavior.
Students should respect others, engage in school life, and uphold their school’s good name in the community.
Through this revision, ADEK is aiming to provide fair, transparent, and consistent disciplinary measures in all Abu Dhabi schools.
Guidance, prevention, and personal growth continue to be the core with the development of a positive learning environment for all students.
