Abu Dhabi: All school pupils below the age of 18 years in the emirate of Abu Dhabi are now protected by a new Child Protection Policy that ensures their safety and wellbeing.
The policy has been developed by the emirate of Abu Dhabi’s education sector regulator, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec), in response to UAE Federal Law 3 of 2016 on Child Rights, known popularly as the Wudeema Law.
Under the Adec’s new policy, school principals act as guardians for all pupils at school.
There are also clear definitions of the terms ‘abuse’ and ‘neglect’, as well as guidelines on how to protect children who are using school transport or participating in any kind of school activity in or outside the campus.
“School principals, school staff, Adec employees and parents are all responsible of reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our children is the responsibility of the community at large. Anyone who suspects or witnesses any risk, harm or injury inflicted on a child, must immediately report it and without hesitation,” said Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi, Adec’s director general.
