Inside school safeguarding: What parents need to know about anti-bullying measures in the UAE

[Editor’s Note: This article is part of Khaleej Times’ Schools and Parents, a dedicated section designed to support families in the UAE as they explore educational choices. The section offers explainers, guidance from education leaders, expert advice and insights from parents to help readers make informed decisions about schools, curricula and communities.]

For parents, few concerns cut as deeply as the fear that their child may be bullied—or may be struggling enough to bully others.

Recommended For You

Rattan House rings in the season with all-collection festive discounts

Polycon manufacturing quality products in the UAE since 1993

ILT20: Desert Vipers cruise to easy eight-wicket victory over Gulf Giants

Abu Dhabi: Parking regulation begins in commercial sectors of Mohamed Bin Zayed City

Dubai: After parking QR code scam, RTA, Parkin warn users against fake signs

 

Across the UAE, schools say they understand this anxiety and emphasise that safeguarding systems today are stronger, more transparent, and more child-centred than ever.

Schools follow a strict zero-tolerance stance underpinned by UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Wadeema’s Law), which protects children from all forms of abuse, including bullying.

Institutions that fail to act face fines of up to Dh1 million or even closure. But beyond compliance, school leaders emphasise that the real focus is early identification, open communication, and restorative support.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Clear reporting channels, culture of speaking up

Most UAE schools now operate with multi-layered reporting systems, including anonymous channels, peer mentoring programmes, and annual policy reviews aligned with national and international standards.

School heads note that concerns can be raised directly with their Central Safeguarding Teams, Child Protection Units or relevant authorities, ensuring no report goes unnoticed.

At Jumeira Baccalaureate School, Assistant Head for Pastoral Melissa Claridge highlights that daily interactions play a crucial role in spotting early distress.

“Regular screenings help identify early signs of distress or social issues. Homeroom teachers see students daily and during weekly Personal Development lessons, making them well-placed to notice subtle changes in mood or attitude.

A casual ‘how are you?’ often opens the door for deeper conversations.
Documenting concerns ensures patterns are tracked and interventions are consistent. This layered approach means staff can quickly distinguish between normal mood fluctuations and potential bullying indicators.”

She adds that weekly sessions help students differentiate between teasing and harmful behaviour, and also encourage them to stand up for themselves and others.

“Pupils are encouraged to speak up for themselves and their peers. Instead of punitive-only measures, the school focuses on repairing relationships and fostering accountability. Proven cases of intentional bullying can lead to suspension or expulsion.”

Behaviour monitoring and restorative support

At Greenfield International School, teachers are trained to flag even subtle changes in behaviour.

Deputy Head of Primary and Safeguarding Lead Niall Crowley explains that well-being monitoring begins with simple, informal check-ins.

“For a student who is displaying a change in behaviour, no matter how small, their well-being is monitored by their teacher through informal check-ins both inside and outside of the classroom. Should a pattern of concern emerge, parents are contacted to ensure that as a team around the child, we are fully supporting their well-being. It is important to gain an insight from the child’s perspective on how they are feeling and why. This may be through conversation, guided-play activities or through reflection.”

He says that when behaviour changes are linked to others’ actions, the school immediately investigates.

“Should it become apparent that the child’s change in behaviour is due to the actions of others, this is then explored to identify the root cause for concern. Following a restorative justice approach, students take accountability for their actions and parents are informed at each stage. In the very rare instances of bullying (targeted and repeated behaviour from one student to another), the school’s behaviour policy is adhered to ensure that these instances are addressed, documented and followed-up on.”

Crowley notes that preventive work is equally important. “We also focus on preventative measure by raising awareness of the importance of making positive choices through initiatives such as Anti-Bullying Week as well as the implementation of a well-being curriculum in all grades.”

He adds that after any incident, every affected child—whether harmed or responsible—is monitored closely. “Students who have experienced bullying or behaviour concerns and those who have displayed the concerning behaviour are continually monitored after any incident to ensure that all students are supported to make positive choices which positively impact themselves and those around them.”

Parents as partners in safeguarding

At GEMS Education, safeguarding teams emphasise that behavioural shifts—academic, emotional, or social—are all taken seriously.

Head of Safeguarding Claire Scowen pointed out that early identification relies on listening deeply to children and parents. “Any noticeable change in a child’s behaviour, attendance, academic performance, or emotional presentation is treated as a potential concern. In line with our Anti-Bullying Policy, Safeguarding Policy, and KHDA safeguarding expectations, schools follow a structured early-identification process that prioritises child’s voice and holistic understanding. Early identification is fundamentally about creating a school culture where students feel heard, believed, and supported.”

She says early conversations with parents are judgement-free and supportive. “We begin by listening, giving parents space to explain what their worries are. We acknowledge that reaching out can be difficult, and we reassure families that our role is to support, not to blame.
For parents concerned their child may be bullying others, we emphasise that behaviour is communication and that our focus is on understanding, education, and positive behaviour change - not punishment. For parents of children who may be experiencing bullying, we validate their concerns and explain clearly the steps the school will take to investigate, safeguard their child, and keep the family updated.”

Scowen notes that counselling, pastoral care, and consistent communication with families form the backbone of their approach.

“Pastoral care, counselling, and structured wellbeing support are available. Student voice shapes the response; students are involved in decisions where appropriate, kept informed about next steps, and given regular check-ins to ensure they feel heard and supported. As required by KHDA, parents are also updated at every stage, reinforcing transparency and partnership.”

Restorative work is placed at the centre of behavioural correction.
“Restorative practice plays an important role in balancing discipline with compassion.”

Ensuring every child feels safe

At Woodlem Park School in Qusais, Principal Antony Koshy reiterates any behavioural shift triggers immediate safeguarding procedures.

“Any shift in a pupil’s behaviour is treated as a safeguarding alert under our Student Safety & Protection Policy. We engage with families promptly, listen without judgement, and follow our KHDA-aligned procedures to investigate concerns. Our approach balances firm accountability with counselling and restorative support, ensuring that every child—whether impacted or impacting others—receives the guidance needed to feel secure and supported in school.”

Nandini Sircar

nandini@khaleejtimes.com

Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.