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Introduction: At The City School International, we recognize that technology and electronic devices can greatly enhance learning and communication. However, excessive use of electronic devices—including smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming devices—can negatively impact students’ academic performance, social interactions, and emotional wellbeing. This policy provides guidelines to prevent and manage electronic addiction, ensuring that technology is used responsibly and safely.
Aims:
To promote responsible and balanced use of electronic devices.
To prevent excessive screen time and its impact on health and learning.
To educate students on safe, ethical, and productive use of technology.
To provide clear rules and procedures for managing electronic addiction.
To support students who show signs of technology overuse through counselling.
To comply with KHDA, UAE laws, and international best practices regarding technology use in schools.
Standards of Behaviour: Students are expected to:
Use electronic devices only for educational and approved purposes during school hours.
Respect school rules regarding device use, including restrictions in class and common areas.
Refrain from using electronic devices in ways that disrupt learning or social interactions.
Maintain a balance between online activities and other aspects of school life.
Staff are expected to:
Model appropriate use of technology.
Monitor students’ device use during school hours.
Report any signs of electronic addiction or misuse.
Code of Conduct: The TCSI Electronic Conduct Code outlines the rules for all devices:
No unauthorized gaming, social media, or streaming during lessons.
Devices must be used respectfully, ethically, and safely.
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Cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or online harassment is strictly prohibited.
Personal devices may only be used during designated times with teacher permission.
Rules and Procedures: Rules regarding electronic device use should:
Be simple, clear, and positively stated.
Encourage responsible, safe, and productive use of technology.
Include limits on screen time and consequences for misuse.
Promote shared responsibility among students, staff, and parents.
Preventive measures include:
Digital literacy and safe technology use lessons integrated into the curriculum.
Counselling support for students showing signs of electronic addiction.
Parent engagement to monitor and guide device use at home.
Rewards (Positive Reinforcement): The school will recognize students who:
Demonstrate responsible and balanced use of electronic devices.
Participate in awareness campaigns or initiatives on healthy technology use.
Support peers in reducing excessive screen time.
Recognition may include certificates, assembly mentions, newsletters, or special privileges.
Behaviour Report Escalation System: Green Report (Initial Concern):
First signs of excessive device use or minor misuse.
Counselling offered and parental notification.
Amber Report (Repeated Concern):
Continued misuse or repeated warnings.
Daily monitoring, parental involvement, and structured behaviour plan.
Red Report (Serious Concern):
Persistent misuse impacting learning, health, or social behaviour.
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Restriction of device use, intensive counselling, and risk of suspension if behaviour does not improve.
Disciplinary Code/Procedures: Level One Offences:
Minor misuse of devices (gaming, social media during class without permission).
Disruption caused by device use.
Consequences: Green Report, verbal/written warning, counselling, parental notification. Level Two Offences:
Repeated Level One offences.
Sharing inappropriate content online.
Ignoring teacher instructions regarding device use.
Consequences: Amber → Red Report, temporary confiscation of device, parental meetings, suspension (up to 3 days). Level Three Offences:
Cyberbullying, harassment, or illegal online activity.
Using devices to cheat or commit fraud.
Persistent refusal to follow school technology policies.
Consequences: Immediate suspension, permanent exclusion in extreme cases, involvement of legal authorities if required.
Steps for Suspension:
Only the Principal may authorize suspension.
Documented evidence of electronic misuse must support suspension.
Parents/guardians are notified directly.
Notice to Suspend is issued and recorded in the student’s file.
Suspension period: up to 3 days (extendable with Principal approval).
Continuation of learning materials provided by teachers.
Return to School meeting with student and parents is mandatory.
Repeat offences may lead to permanent suspension.
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Permanent Suspension: Permanent suspension may be applied in extreme cases, including:
Repeated Level Three offences.
Behaviour that severely disrupts learning or endangers others.
Serious online misconduct violating UAE law.
Approval must be obtained from the Principal and Disciplinary Committee, and parents must be provided guidance on external support.
Support and Counselling:
Counsellors will work with students showing signs of electronic addiction.
Behaviour modification plans may be implemented, with goals, monitoring, and parent-school collaboration.
Age-appropriate, positive reinforcement is emphasized over punitive measures.
Education and Awareness:
Lessons on digital literacy, online safety, and responsible device use integrated into the curriculum.
Workshops, campaigns, and seminars for students and parents.
Collaboration with parents to maintain healthy screen-time habits at home.
Review and Evaluation: This policy will be reviewed annually by the School Leadership Team in consultation with staff, students, and parents to ensure effectiveness, compliance with KHDA and UAE law, and alignment with best practices.
Reviewed on September 2025
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