Dubai announces new rules, unified system to protect students from abuse, bullying and neglect in schools and universities
New framework covers cyberbullying, neglect and exploitation across private institutions
![KHDA framework covers abuse, neglect and cyberbullying, with new reporting system in 2027. [Illustrative image]](http://media.assettype.com/gulfnews%2F2025-08-25%2Fdane1ug4%2FWhatsApp-Image-2025-08-25-at-8.08.27-AM.jpeg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Dubai: Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced a unified safeguarding and learner protection framework covering private educational institutions across the emirate, including early childhood centres, schools and higher education institutions.
Announced at a media briefing on Friday, November 13, the new Policy Framework for Safeguarding and Learner Protection establishes common standards for protecting learners from abuse, neglect, exploitation, cyberbullying and other forms of harm.
The framework also extends protection to learners aged 18 and above, ensuring safeguarding measures are not limited to children in schools.
Unified system to report abuse and safeguarding concerns
One of the key developments is a new automated case management system, scheduled for introduction in the first quarter of 2027.
The system will establish a standardised process for escalating, managing and following up on safeguarding concerns across private educational institutions.
KHDA indicated that reporting mechanisms could include a dedicated hotline or electronic case management platform, with information handled confidentially and shared between institutions only when necessary in serious cases.
The framework also aims to help educational institutions identify warning signs of abuse and harm, including incidents that may occur outside school premises or online.
It recognises that abuse, neglect and exploitation can have lasting consequences for learners’ physical, emotional, social and educational development.
Mandatory safeguarding responsibilities
The new framework establishes a regulatory basis for safeguarding across Dubai’s private education sector, setting out mandatory responsibilities that institutions must fulfil.
It aims to ensure learners receive consistent protection and support throughout their education, while strengthening the ability of institutions to recognise and respond to safeguarding risks.
When will the new framework be implemented?
KHDA outlined a phased implementation schedule:
November–December 2026: Familiarisation sessions for different education sectors to explain the framework and its requirements.
First quarter of 2027: Launch of additional guidance, templates and resources through the Safe Space platform.
First quarter of 2027: Role-specific training for safeguarding leads and their deputies at educational institutions.
First quarter of 2027: Introduction of the automated case management system.
From the second quarter of 2027: Ongoing monitoring and review of the framework’s implementation.
The phased rollout will give educational institutions time to understand the new requirements, train relevant staff and strengthen their safeguarding procedures.
