Parents of children enrolled in Dubai private schools are being urged to stay alert after education and health authorities raised concerns about dangerous social media trends circulating among students.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), alongside the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), has issued an advisory warning parents about risky behaviours reported in some schools. These include choking, breath-holding, applying pressure to the neck or head, and participation in viral challenges.

One of the most concerning trends highlighted is the “Skull Breaker Challenge”, where two people deliberately kick the legs from under a third person, causing them to fall, often backwards, risking serious head or spinal injuries. The challenge previously gained attention on social media in 2020 and had prompted warnings from Dubai Police at the time.

KHDA stressed that while children may see these actions as jokes or harmless fun, they carry serious and immediate health risks. Students found participating in, encouraging, or recording such behaviour will face disciplinary action under their school’s behaviour policy. In more serious cases, matters may be referred to external authorities.

What parents should watch out for

Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and look out for both physical and behavioural warning signs, including:

• Marks, redness, or bruising around the neck
• Headaches, dizziness, fainting, or bloodshot eyes
• Sudden secrecy around online activity
• Talking about viral challenges or risky games
• Unexplained mood or behaviour changes
• Wearing clothing that hides the neck area

Any concerns should prompt an immediate conversation with the child and contact with the school if worries persist.

Why are these activities dangerous

According to DHA, restricting breathing or blood flow to the brain can be fatal:

• Brain damage can occur within seconds without oxygen
• Irreversible damage may happen in under a minute
• Oxygen deprivation can trigger seizures and heart rhythm disturbances
• Pressure on the neck can damage airways and blood vessels
• Multiple countries have reported deaths among children aged 7 to 17
• There is no safe way to take part in these activities

What parents can do

KHDA is urging parents to:

• Speak openly with children about the dangers of these behaviours
• Reinforce that they are not games and can be life-threatening
• Monitor online activity and be aware of peer influence
• Contact the school or seek medical advice if they have immediate concerns

While schools are addressing the issue directly with students, KHDA emphasised that parent involvement is critical to reinforcing safety messages beyond the classroom.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced plans to expand its instant digital degree verification service, eliminating paperwork, physical visits and waiting times for graduates.

Launched in 2025 as part of the ministry’s digital overhaul, the service has already been used by over 25,000 graduates and is connected to 34 UAE-based universities, allowing qualifications to be verified in real time.

Previously, degree verification took up to three days and involved multiple steps. The new system completes the process instantly.

MoHESR also confirmed that the service will be extended to Emirati students studying abroad on scholarships, enabling them to access government services seamlessly from anywhere in the world.

The initiative is part of the ministry’s wider “zero bureaucracy” programme, which has removed more than 400 procedures, eliminated 180 document requirements, and simplified digital services using AI-enabled systems.

Universities have also benefited, with approval times for new academic programmes cut from six months to just seven days, documentation reduced to a single requirement, and costs eliminated.

The ministry said further digital services will be added in the next phase, supporting a more efficient higher education system and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global education hub.

Parents in Dubai will need to reshuffle their Friday routines, as private schools across the emirate will begin closing earlier each week starting January 9, 2026.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has confirmed that all private schools and early childhood centres operating within private schools must finish the school day no later than 11.30am on Fridays. The move aligns with the UAE-wide adjustment to Friday prayer timings, which have been brought forward to 12.45pm.

Previously, Fridays were already half-days for most schools, with classes ending around noon. The latest update shortens the school day by a further 30 minutes, ensuring students and staff have sufficient time to return home before congregational prayers begin.

According to KHDA, the change prioritises student wellbeing while maintaining curriculum requirements. Schools will be allowed flexibility in how they manage dismissals, including staggered or phased exits, to reduce congestion and minimise disruption to learning.

In a post on social media platform X, KHDA said:
“In line with the adjustment of the Friday prayer time across the country to 12.45pm, and following consultations with educational institutions, effective Friday, January 9, 2026, all private schools and early childhood centres operating within private schools in Dubai will finish the school day no later than 11.30am on Fridays.”

The authority added that schools may introduce flexible arrangements to address logistical and operational challenges, while ensuring teaching time is not significantly affected.

Online learning option for older students

For students in Grade 6 (Year 7) and above, schools may apply to offer online learning on Fridays, subject to parental consultation and approval from KHDA. This option is intended to provide additional flexibility for families, particularly those balancing work and childcare commitments.

The UAE Government has echoed the directive, urging private schools nationwide to adhere to the 11.30am finish on Fridays.

Public school Friday timings also updated

The announcement follows the release of revised Friday schedules for public schools across the UAE, which will also reflect the earlier prayer time:

• Kindergarten: 8am – 11.30am
• Cycle One:
  • 7.10am – 10.30am or
  • 8am – 11.30am
• Cycles Two and Three:
  • Boys: 7.10am – 10.30am
  • Girls: 8am – 11.30am

With the changes coming into effect from early January, parents are being advised to plan ahead for earlier pick-ups and revised Friday routines.