Abu Dhabi schools bans 10 punishments, unveils new behavior policy: Key points parents, teachers must know

Abu Dhabi schools are ushering in a new era of student discipline as ADEK bans 10 traditional punishments and introduces a positive, supportive behavior framework aimed at fostering respect, well-being, and personal growth among students.

Abu Dhabi schools revamp discipline: ADEK bans 10 punishments, introduces new framework
Abu Dhabi's Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced a comprehensive update to its Student Behavior Policy , aiming to foster a supportive and respectful learning environment across the emirate's schools. This revised policy categorizes student offenses into four levels and outlines 11 permissible disciplinary measures , while prohibiting 10 forms of punishment to ensure fair and constructive responses to student misconduct.

Classifying Student Misconduct: Four Levels of Offenses

The updated policy classifies student offenses into four distinct levels to ensure appropriate and proportional responses:

• Level 1 (Minor Offenses): Includes tardiness, non-compliance with uniform policies, failure to complete homework, or misuse of digital devices.
• Level 2 (Moderate Offenses): Covers actions like skipping school activities, verbal assault, or minor property damage.
• Level 3 (Major Offenses): Encompasses bullying, academic dishonesty, forgery, vandalism, or physical assault.
• Level 4 (Severe Offenses): Relates to serious misconduct such as possession of weapons, cybercrimes, substance abuse, or acts of arson.

Permitted disciplinary measures: Encouraging positive behaviorADEK has outlined 11 disciplinary measures that schools may employ, focusing on guidance and support before taking punitive actions:

Verbal warnings

Written warnings

Formal meetings with parents

Temporary removal from the classroom

Supervised community service

Suspension (in serious cases)

Permanent expulsion is only permitted through official approval and under strict guidelines. All actions must be age-appropriate and proportionate, aiming to correct behavior rather than simply penalize students.

Prohibited punishments: Ensuring student well-being
To safeguard students' mental and physical health, ADEK strictly prohibits the following forms of punishment:

• Physical or psychological punishment
• Public humiliation
• Withholding food or water
• Confining students
• Deducting grades as punishment
• Disclosing personal information without consent

These measures are banned to ensure a fair, safe, and respectful learning environment across Abu Dhabi's schools.

Promoting a culture of respect and responsibility
ADEK emphasizes the importance of schools in modeling respectful and responsible behavior aligned with the UAE 's cultural and social values. Teachers are required to be trained in the new policy and to reward positive conduct. Students are expected to show respect, participate in extracurricular activities, and represent their schools positively within the community.

The updated Student Behavior Policy ensures that disciplinary actions across Abu Dhabi schools are fair, transparent, and consistent, focusing on guidance, prevention, and personal growth rather than punishment.