Abu Dhabi Teacher Sentenced for Physically Punishing Students in Classroom

An Abu Dhabi teacher was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to be deported after CCTV footage revealed him physically striking four students inside a private school classroom. The teacher claimed his actions were to stop classroom disruption, but the court rejected this defense.

This case has drawn attention to the legal stance on physical punishment in UAE schools. Such actions are prohibited under UAE law, with any use of force to discipline students potentially leading to criminal charges.

Legal Framework Against Physical Punishment

Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, specifically Article 390, criminalizes causing bodily harm to others regardless of intent or severity. The teacher was convicted under Article 394(2) of this law, which applies when a professional fails to uphold the standards of their role, carrying a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment.

Nikhat Sardar Khan, Head of Disputes at Hilal and Associates Advocates and Legal Consultants in Dubai, explained that teachers are held to professional standards, and breaches of trust are treated seriously under the law.

School Responsibility and Regulatory Oversight

Parents can pursue legal action against schools, which are responsible for student safety under Federal Decree-Law No. 18 of 2020 on Private Education. Schools may be held liable for harm caused by their staff under the Civil Transactions Law. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) can impose fines up to Dh1 million, suspend, or even close schools for violations.

Khan emphasized that schools bear financial and regulatory consequences when teachers harm students.

School Policies on Student Behaviour

ADEK’s Student Behaviour Policy explicitly bans corporal punishment, defining it as any physical force causing pain or discomfort. The policy also prohibits verbal abuse, public humiliation, confinement, denial of restroom access, and withholding food or water.

Disciplinary actions must be managed by a Behavioural Management Committee; individual teachers cannot act alone. Schools are required to report incidents to ADEK. Physical force is allowed only as a last resort to prevent harm to the student or others. This policy has been mandatory for all private and charter schools in Abu Dhabi since the 2025-26 academic year.

Psychological Effects of Physical Punishment

Dr Amnah Al Mesmari, a psychiatrist at Alkalma Wellbeing Centre in Abu Dhabi, noted that physical punishment can cause immediate fear, shock, and humiliation. Longer-term effects may include anxiety, low self-esteem, avoidance of school, and declining academic performance. Witnesses to such incidents can also be negatively impacted.

She stressed that classrooms should be safe environments where children can learn from mistakes without fear.

Guidance for Parents

Parents are advised to remain calm and listen without blaming their child if physical punishment is disclosed. They should reassure the child that they are not at fault and watch for signs such as school refusal, fear of a particular teacher, sleep disturbances, withdrawal, or worsening grades.

Complaints can be filed with the police or Public Prosecution and simultaneously reported to ADEK. Parents should also seek a medical report from a government hospital promptly. Khan warned that parents should carefully review any documents the school asks them to sign, as hastily signed waivers may prevent justice or compensation.

What this means for you

• Physical punishment in schools is illegal and can lead to criminal prosecution of teachers.
• Parents can file complaints with police, Public Prosecution, and ADEK if their child is physically punished.
• Schools are responsible for student safety and may face fines or closure for violations.
• Parents should obtain medical reports promptly and carefully review any school documents before signing.