(UAE law prohibits corporal punishment in schools, and teachers who physically harm students can face criminal consequences. Photo: File.)
A teacher in Abu Dhabi has been sentenced to two years in prison and ordered deported after CCTV footage showed him physically assaulting four students inside a private school classroom.
The teacher reportedly said he acted to stop classroom disruption. However, the court convicted him, bringing renewed attention to the UAE’s laws against physical punishment in schools and the legal steps parents can take if their children are harmed.
Is Physical Punishment Illegal in UAE Schools?
Yes. Physical punishment of students can lead to criminal prosecution under UAE law.
Article 390 of Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 on Crimes and Penalties makes it an offence to cause bodily harm to another person, regardless of the intention or severity.
In the Abu Dhabi case, the teacher was convicted under Article 394(2) of the same law. This provision applies when harm results from a professional’s failure to meet the standards required by their role and carries a maximum prison sentence of two years.
Nikhat Sardar Khan, Head of Disputes at Hilal and Associates Advocates and Legal Consultants in Dubai, said teachers are expected to meet the standards of their profession and that abusing the trust placed in them can be treated as an aggravating factor.
Can Parents Take Legal Action Against a School?
Yes. Schools have a legal responsibility to protect students under Federal Decree-Law No. 18 of 2020 on Private Education.
They may also be held liable for harm caused by their employees under the Civil Transactions Law.
In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has the authority to impose fines of up to Dh1 million, suspend school operations or order permanent closure.
Legal action against a teacher does not necessarily prevent parents from pursuing a separate complaint against the school.
What Do School Policies Say About Physical Punishment?
ADEK’s Student Behaviour Policy strictly prohibits corporal punishment, defining it as any physical force used to cause bodily pain or discomfort, even if the impact is slight.
The policy also prohibits:
- Verbal abuse and public humiliation of students.
- Locking students inside school premises.
- Preventing students from accessing washrooms.
- Denying students food or water.
Disciplinary decisions must be handled through a designated Behavioural Management Committee. Individual teachers are not permitted to take disciplinary action independently.
Schools are required to report incidents to ADEK. Physical force is permitted only as a last resort to prevent a student from harming themselves or others.
The policy, now in its third version, has been mandatory for all private and charter schools in Abu Dhabi since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year.
What Is the Psychological Impact on Children?
Physical punishment can affect a child’s emotional wellbeing and behaviour beyond the immediate incident.
Dr Amnah Al Mesmari, Specialist Psychiatrist at Alkalma Wellbeing Centre in Abu Dhabi, said children may experience immediate fear, shock and humiliation.
Longer-term effects can include:
- Anxiety and low self-esteem.
- Refusal or reluctance to attend school.
- Fear of a particular teacher.
- Sleep difficulties and social withdrawal.
- Declining academic performance.
Children who witness a classmate being physically punished may also experience emotional distress.
Dr Al Mesmari stressed that classrooms should provide a safe environment where students can learn and make mistakes without fear.
What Should Parents Do If a Child Is Physically Punished?
Parents are advised to remain calm if a child reports being physically punished at school. They should listen carefully, avoid blaming the child and reassure them that they are not responsible for what happened.
Parents should also watch for possible warning signs, including school refusal, fear of a particular teacher, sleep problems, withdrawal and a decline in academic performance.
They can take several legal and administrative steps:
- File a police complaint: Parents can report the incident at a police station or directly to the Public Prosecution.
- Contact ADEK: A separate complaint can be submitted to the education regulator.
- Seek civil compensation: Parents may pursue compensation for harm caused to their child.
- Obtain medical documentation: A medical report from a government hospital should be secured as early as possible.
- Review school documents carefully: Parents should read any document presented by the school before signing it.
These complaints and legal proceedings can be pursued simultaneously.
Legal experts also advise parents to report incidents early and exercise caution before signing any waiver or settlement document, as it could affect their ability to seek justice or compensation.
