With the start of the new academic year, UAE school principals, teachers and educational technology specialists have outlined measures to tighten students' use of generative AI tools. These measures cover access control, devices and networks, assignments and projects, tests and assessments, data protection, academic integrity, and awareness of responsible use. They stressed that the return of students has shifted these measures from policy to practical application inside classrooms.They said that blocking the technology alone is not enough to control the use of generative AI, given the growing number of tools and students' ability to access them through personal devices and networks outside the school environment. This requires a shift from "preventing the tool" to managing its use through awareness and clear controls. The goal is to prevent AI from becoming a substitute for students' thinking and effort while ensuring its capabilities are used to support learning.In detail, during the first week of the 2026-2027 academic year, Emarat Al Youm monitored plans and procedures implemented by schools to regulate the use of generative AI within the educational environment. Schools have tightened controls for students under the age of 13, strengthened restrictions on access to tools and platforms, reviewed assignment and assessment mechanisms, and enhanced monitoring of use. The aim is to protect the integrity of learning and prevent students from relying on technology as a substitute for their effort and thinking.The Principal of GEMS Gulf International School, Dr Ghadeer Abu Shammat, said controlling the use of generative AI among younger age groups requires more than issuing general instructions. She explained that schools can control their devices, accounts and networks, and determine which applications and websites are permitted. However, the challenge begins when students use personal devices or internet networks outside the school system.She added that the school can build a "digital fence" within its technical environment by combining technical controls, awareness, improved assessment methods and partnership with families.Nature of the taskThe Principal of Al-Basaer School, Reem Mahmoud, said the use of artificial intelligence is not automatically permitted in all school assignments. Its use depends on the nature of the task, the teacher's instructions and assessment controls. She stressed that using AI to answer a test, complete an assignment that requires individual work, or submit AI-generated content as the student's own work constitutes a violation of academic integrity. Such cases are dealt with under approved assessment and behaviour policies.The spread of generative AI tools requires educators to rethink the design of assignments before considering the answers they will produce. An assignment that can be completed entirely by an algorithm, without requiring student understanding or experience, may not be an accurate measure of learning.The Director General of Dubai Modern Education School, Michael Bartlett, said the school addresses developments related to students' use of generative AI and social media platforms through a structured approach. This approach takes students' ages into account and supports their safety as well as their academic and personal development. It includes controlling device use within the school environment and restricting access to communication platforms and certain external websites.He added that technology should remain a tool that supports learning, not a substitute for students' thinking, skills, effort or ability to learn independently.English teacher Hanan Sharaf said the spread of generative AI tools has changed the way assignments and projects are evaluated. Assessing only the final product is no longer sufficient to demonstrate student learning or the originality of the work. This requires teachers to track the entire process, from the initial idea and first draft to the sources used, stages of development and discussion of the final work.Digital safetyDigital Security and Safety Officer Amani Hujair stressed that the safe use of generative AI begins with controlling the tools and platforms students can access and protecting their data and digital privacy. She emphasised the importance of not sharing personal information, photos or school data with unapproved platforms. She also highlighted the need to raise awareness of the risks associated with entering data into, or interacting with, unregulated AI-generated content.For his part, educational expert Dr Saeed Al-Kaabi said the challenge is not keeping pace with every new generative AI tool but controlling how such tools are used. This includes clearly defining what is permitted and what is prohibited and preventing students from using AI to complete tasks and then presenting the output as their own work. He added that verification should be based on evidence, including the student's ability level, drafts, sources, records of revisions and ability to explain the work.Integrated systemDr Fadi Al-Haddadin, a cybersecurity expert and assistant professor at the College of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, said the risks of generative AI extend beyond academic cheating to the privacy and security of student data, particularly for those under the age of 13. A lack of digital awareness may lead students to share personal photos and data, information belonging to their classmates, or school documents with external platforms without understanding where the data is stored, how it is processed or how it may be used.He stressed that the importance of the measures adopted by schools lies in moving from outright bans to an integrated control system. Such a system combines technical controls, data protection, academic integrity and redesigned assessments. This approach preserves students' effort and the authenticity of their learning, limits reliance on ready-made content, and balances the use of technology with the protection of educational quality.Mental health consultant Dr Iman Mohammed said banning generative AI tools for students under the age of 13, or those below Grade 7, is a preventive measure that protects thinking, research and problem-solving skills from early dependence on ready-made content. She stressed that the role of schools extends beyond imposing bans to building digital awareness and designing activities that preserve students' role in thinking and analysis rather than simply receiving ready-made answers. She added that effective controls require a partnership with families that promotes a safe relationship with technology.Block unsupported toolsSchool principals said that unapproved generative AI tools are banned in classrooms. Access to unauthorised platforms through virtual private networks (VPNs) is also prohibited. In addition, students are not allowed to create accounts on external services that require personal data. These measures are designed to protect privacy and ensure a safe and disciplined digital environment.
