Is your child being bullied at school? Warning signs UAE parents should look out for

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Not all children who are bullied show physical injuries. Some may become quieter, avoid friends, or suddenly not want to go to school. UAE educators say parents should watch for…

Not all children who are bullied show physical injuries. Some may become quieter, avoid friends, or suddenly not want to go to school. UAE educators say parents should watch for these signs as Dubai introduces new measures to protect pupils.

Bullying can show up as repeated name-calling, being left out of groups, or hurtful messages on social media. Children often do not tell parents or teachers because they are worried that speaking up will make things worse.

A 2025 survey of 629 UAE students in Grades 6 to 8 found that 73 per cent of those who were bullied had not told anyone. Only 41 per cent knew how to report bullying at school, and 49 per cent did not know whether their school had someone in charge of handling bullying.

These findings show how hard it can be for schools and families to spot bullying and help children who are suffering quietly.

Warnings from educators come as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority introduces a safeguarding framework requiring private education institutions to establish clear procedures for reporting and handling bullying and other safety concerns.

The rules apply to learners up to the age of 21, including those studying online. Schools must appoint safeguarding leads, train staff and keep records of reported incidents until they are resolved. The KHDA has also issued a guide to help parents understand how concerns are handled and what to expect when reporting them.

May Zalat, inclusion director at Kids First Group, said parents should look out for changes in behaviour, particularly if a child who previously enjoyed going to school suddenly becomes reluctant to attend, withdraws from friends or appears upset after using their phone.

Ed Staton, principal of Gems Metropole School in Motor City, said parents should also look out for unexplained injuries, missing items, changes in appetite or lower grades.

These signs do not always mean a child is being bullied but “are reasons to start a conversation”, he said.

Inicio del artículo, extracto de The National. Para leer el resto, abra el artículo en el sitio del medio.