ABU DHABI // All pupils under the age of 18 at both public and private schools in Abu Dhabi will now be covered by a new child protection policy.
The policy was developed by Abu Dhabi Education Council in response to the implementation of Federal Law No3 of 2016 on child protection, known as Wadeema’s Law, and in the interest of applying international standards to protecting pupils against all forms of abuse and neglect.
Abuse refers to physical, emotional and sexual abuse and corporal punishment, and includes bullying, exploitation and neglect.
The policy commenced from the start of the 2016-2017 academic school year, with instructions on how individuals can report an alleged abuse or neglect case distributed.
“School principals, school staff, Adec employees and parents are all responsible for reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect,” said Ali Al Nuaimi, director general of Adec.
“Protecting our children is the responsibility of the community at large. Anyone who suspects or witnesses any risk, harm or injury inflicted on a child, must immediately report it and without hesitation.”
Incidents can be reported by calling 116111 or via Adec's website, adec.ac.ae.
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