In UAE, schools have begun the new academic year by cautioning students against taking photos and sharing them on social media without prior permission. This is because UAE has strict privacy laws in place, and violators can face strict penalties. Most schools have made tablets and laptops mandatory for students for educational purposes, but mobile phones and tablets with SIM cards are prohibited. More than one million students have returned to school for the new academic year after the long summer break.
Schools like Gems Cambridge International Private School in Sharjah have detailed induction sessions for staff and students on safeguarding, UAE law regarding social media use, cybersecurity, and cultural sensitivities. Assemblies relating to cyber safety are a norm at the beginning of each year and are an integral part of the Computer Science curriculum. Parents find these assemblies useful as they provide guidance on how to manage their children’s digital presence.
Taking photos on the school premises and sharing them on social media is strictly prohibited, as students could face legal action for privacy violations. UAE law imposes strict penalties on individuals, including teenagers, who share personal data or images without consent. Minors could face probation, community service, or judicial measures focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. UAE law also holds parents and schools accountable for privacy violations that occur under their watch.
UAE law takes privacy violations seriously, especially in digital platforms like social media. It is illegal to share personal data without consent, and teenagers must understand that sharing content without permission can have serious legal consequences. The law focuses on rehabilitation and education for minors, with courts imposing alternative judicial measures such as probation or community service to promote reform. Minors are subject to administrative measures and judicial measures based on their age, with an emphasis on corrective and supportive actions.
In cases of privacy violations committed by minors aged between 16 to 18, the court can impose criminal penalties or judicial measures. Imprisonment is generally avoided, and minors may serve reduced prison terms in juvenile institutions. Criminal settlements are possible for misdemeanours or petty offences, with a maximum imprisonment term of one year and no prior offences. Schools play a crucial role in educating students about UAE law, cyber safety, and the importance of respecting privacy laws to ensure a safe and secure environment for all individuals involved.
