The key facts
- The unified online system covers all private institutions in Dubai licensed by KHDA — from early childhood centres to universities
- The framework document applies to students up to and including the age of 21
- Records of participants in incidents remain in the system even when a student transfers to another school in the emirate
A unified procedure instead of schools' internal practices
Dubai is introducing a unified online system for reporting bullying that covers the entire private education sector. As The National reports, previously many schools handled cases of bullying and mistreatment on their own, within the institution; now all incidents must be registered in the new system so that the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) can track every complaint and monitor its handling.
Who the new rules affect
The requirements apply to all private educational institutions licensed and approved by KHDA: early childhood development centres, schools, higher education institutions, as well as training and vocational institutes — both in person and in virtual settings. The framework document applies to students aged 21 and under, meaning it covers not only schoolchildren but also university students.
What changes in practice
A significant difference from the previous arrangement is the retention of records on students involved in bullying incidents: they remain in the system even if the child transfers to another school in the emirate. According to the publication, records were often not passed between schools when a student changed institutions, which allowed them to 'start with a clean slate' in a new place.
Official statements and implementation oversight
'The safety, wellbeing and development of every learner is the foundation of our society's future,' said Dr Saeed Kharbash, Director of Policy, Research and Programmes at KHDA. According to him, protecting students is a shared responsibility that requires strong leadership, trained professionals, informed families and a culture in which children are heard and supported. Fatma Mohammed Al Janahi, Director of Policy and Programmes for Foundation and Growth at KHDA, stressed that the success of the framework document depends on the consistency of its application: institutions must translate the directives into clear policies, defined responsibilities and everyday practices. KHDA, she said, will support institutions with practical resources and guidance and monitor implementation, so that student protection is embedded in real practice rather than existing only on paper.
