UAE Ministry of Education Bans Homework for Young Students and Cuts Screen Time in Public Schools

Young pupils from kindergarten to grade two in UAE public schools will have no homework throughout the coming academic year, while grade-six pupils will not use digital screens in four major subjects, the Education Ministry has announced.

Speaking at a back-to-school readiness conference in Dubai, Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri said pupils in grade six will use books, paper and notebooks to study English, Arabic, science and maths. “Children in all public schools from kindergarten to grade four don't use any devices in the classroom except to learn tools in specific classes, so that's already been a policy. Now we're looking at middle school,” Ms Al Amiri told The National.

The drive is based on the findings of a study that revealed the impact of screen time on pupils' cognitive development. Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, said 'better inter-student relationships and friendships formed because of the reduction in screen time' in classrooms.

The study covered 2,500 pupils in nine public schools, divided into two groups to identify the effect of regulating digital tools. Results showed a clear improvement in academic performance across all grades without digital tools—particularly in maths, science and Arabic—alongside marked improvements in behaviour, discipline, and focus.

“Those students that were in no-device classes, their retention nearly doubled, their behaviour overall was better and there was better inter-student relationships and friendships formed because of the reduction in screen time,” Ms Al Amiri stated.

Cancelling homework for young pupils from kindergarten to grade two is designed to improve learning quality, encourage daily reading at home, and build better balance with family life. The total number of pupils in public schools across the UAE currently stands at 1,277,000.

These new measures regarding digital tools and homework do not currently apply to private schools. Additional updates for the academic year include the launch of specialised training weeks for teachers and leaders, along with a revised assessment methodology for grades nine to 12.

Furthermore, diagnostic tests are being introduced to help teachers accurately determine academic levels and address learning gaps early in the academic year. With more than 26,700 new pupils enrolled and 11 new schools and education complexes opening, schools are scheduled to welcome students back to classrooms on August 31.