Two recent rulings in Al Ain have sent a powerful reminder that school bullying is not just a playground issue; it’s a legal and moral one. The courts have made it clear: when children cross the line into violence, parents can be held financially and legally accountable.

In both cases, families were ordered to pay a combined total of Dh65,000 in compensation after their children were found guilty of bullying and assaulting classmates, incidents that left the victims physically injured and emotionally scarred.

When cruelty turns costly

In the first ruling, a father was ordered to pay Dh30,000 after his two sons repeatedly bullied, attacked, and even filmed a classmate. What began as taunting escalated into aggression, leaving the victim with deep emotional trauma, fear, mood swings, and lingering distress.

The minors were convicted in a related criminal case, confirming both their misconduct and the harm caused.

In another case, several guardians were told to jointly pay Dh35,000 after their children assaulted a peer with sharp tools, leaving the victim with multiple wounds and temporary disability. The court found the guardians negligent for failing to properly supervise their children.

A message beyond the courtroom

The judgments, grounded in Article 313 of the UAE Civil Transactions Law, reinforce a crucial principle: parents and guardians are responsible for damages caused by minors under their care if proper supervision is not exercised. That duty doesn’t end at home, it extends to school, playgrounds, and any place where a child’s actions can cause harm.

In both cases, the courts drew from criminal findings to establish civil liability, assessing the wrongdoing, the extent of injury, and the appropriate compensation.

Why this matters

These rulings do more than settle legal disputes; they underline a growing concern among educators and authorities, school bullying has long-term consequences. What might seem like “kids being kids” can spiral into trauma, reputational damage, and legal repercussions for everyone involved.

Psychologists warn that victims of bullying often suffer from anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem well into adulthood. But the other side of the equation, accountability, is equally vital. Parents must actively engage in their children’s emotional development, watch for red flags, and ensure they understand empathy and respect.

Change should begin at home

Schools across the UAE have stepped up anti-bullying initiatives, from awareness campaigns and counselling programmes to stricter reporting mechanisms. But these recent rulings make one thing clear: change begins at home.

By holding parents responsible, the courts have amplified a message that resonates far and beyond:  “Bullying doesn’t just hurt, it costs. And the price is often higher than anyone expects.”

As the UAE continues to build a culture of empathy, respect, and responsibility, this landmark verdict serves as a timely reminder, tackling bullying isn’t just about punishment; it’s about prevention.

The UAE is taking its war on drugs straight to the classroom.

A new school subject, Security and Safety, will soon become part of the national curriculum in primary and secondary schools, a top official revealed during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Chairman of the newly formed National Anti-Narcotics Authority, said the move aims to instil awareness and resilience among students from an early age.

The initiative follows a major step by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who issued a decree-law in August establishing the National Anti-Narcotics Agency, a dedicated body to unify national efforts in tackling drug-related crimes.

“Sheikh Zayed described the Authority’s creation as a turning point in the UAE’s battle against drugs and addiction,” the statement said.

At the annual meetings, he highlighted key milestones in the UAE’s fight against narcotics both locally and globally. Recently, the country joined a massive international counter-narcotics operation that dismantled criminal networks trafficking drugs worth over $2.9 billion (Dh10.64 billion), in cooperation with 25 countries and several international policing agencies.

The Authority’s upcoming strategy will include wide-ranging community awareness campaigns targeting all age groups, with a special focus on the youth. “Our ultimate goal is to build an integrated ecosystem for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation,” Sheikh Zayed said.

He also noted that the UAE’s crackdown on online drug promotion has already led to 2,297 malicious websites and social media accounts being identified and blocked.

Dubai Municipality has introduced a new planning standard for early childhood centres, aiming to enhance educational facilities, optimise land use, and support the growing needs of the early education sector. The move is part of the emirate’s broader strategy under the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 to create sustainable, high-quality urban spaces that benefit future generations.

Key Highlights of the New Planning Standard:

• New Floor Allowance: Centres can now build a first floor exclusively for administrative and service use.
• Building Coverage: Centres are permitted a building coverage ratio of up to 45%.
• Parking & Plot Requirements:
  • 1 parking space per classroom
  • 1 space per 50 sqm of office area
  • 1 dedicated bus space for every 3 classrooms
  • Minimum 3m setback on all sides
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Standard developed in coordination with KHDA and the Knowledge Fund, based on an extensive study assessing sector needs.
• Objectives:
  • Optimise land use and increase centre capacity
  • Enhance service levels without additional financial burden on investors
  • Provide modern, safe, and effective learning environments for children

Eng. Nasser BuShehab, CEO of the Planning and Governance Sector at Dubai Municipality, said: “This initiative supports the sector’s growing needs, provides modern learning environments for children, and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global city renowned for quality of life and liveability.”

Eng. Sanaa Al Alili, Director of the Urban Planning Department at Dubai Municipality, added: “By allowing additional floor space, the new standard improves urban flexibility, optimises land use, increases capacity, and elevates service levels without additional fees.”