Schools in Dubai have renewed warnings to students and parents that mobile phones are prohibited on school premises, even if switched off or left unused inside a bag.

According to circulars and notices issued by the schools, merely bringing a mobile phone onto school premises constitutes a violation. Disciplinary action will still apply even if the device is switched off, has not been used or was brought in by mistake.

The warnings have been stepped up after mobile phones were found in the possession of several students. School administrators said monitoring and periodic inspections would be increased from next week.

Under the rules announced by the schools, any mobile phone found in a student’s possession will be confiscated and held for at least one month, while parents will be notified of the violation. The schools stressed that breaches would be addressed in line with disciplinary regulations.

Students and parents have also been urged not to bring or send mobile phones to school to avoid disciplinary action.

The schools said the tighter restrictions were intended to strengthen discipline in the learning environment, reduce distractions that could disrupt students’ concentration and maintain the school’s daily routine.

However, the schools concerned have not been identified, and no new emirate-wide directive covering all Dubai schools has been issued by a government education authority.