Balancing innovation and safety: UAE schools introduce tougher digital use rules
In the latest move to ensure students benefit from technology safely, public schools across the UAE have adopted a unified “Acceptable Use Policy” to strictly regulate digital and internet usage on school premises. The effort seeks to strike a careful balance between encouraging learning through digital tools and protecting students, staff, and institutions from misuse.
Under the new policy, each student must review its provisions and sign a pledge affirming their commitment to comply. The rules are comprehensive, covering everything from device use and data privacy to disciplinary consequences for violations.
Key components of the policy include:
Protection of personal information: students are not allowed to disclose or share personal data without explicit consent. Use of cameras and sharing photos is controlled. Publication of content that could damage reputations; of individuals, schools, or the country, is forbidden.
Network security and intellectual property: unauthorized downloads or installs, hacking of systems, stealing or distributing passwords or software, and creation or distribution of harmful digital content are among the prohibited actions. Respecting copyright and refraining from piracy are also mandated.
Online conduct and harassment: the policy prohibits hate speech, harassment, racist statements, cyberbullying, offensive language, impersonation and other forms of misuse of communication channels. Students are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly online.
When students violate rules, such as excessive personal use of school networks, accessing unauthorised websites, or sharing others’ information without permission, schools will apply disciplinary measures according to established regulations.
Importantly, schools are asking for parental cooperation, emphasizing that a strong partnership between home and school helps ensure kids understand their responsibilities and abide by the new standards.
While some may see these rules as restrictive, the schools argue the benefits are clear: by setting boundaries and clarifying expectations, they can minimize risks, privacy breaches, cyberbullying, security threats, while preserving technology as a powerful educational tool. In a rapidly digitalizing world, policies like these may become increasingly common.
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