UAE schools launch year-round campaign to tackle bullying and vaping

UAE education authorities have launched a year-round awareness initiative targeting bullying, vaping, and electronic gaming addiction among students. The campaign follows a surge in reported behavioral issues within schools, prompting a structured intervention by the Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE) and the Ministry of Education. Addressing Student Behavioral Trends The program identifies three primary areas of concern: verbal and physical bullying, the rising use of e-cigarettes or vapes among minors, and the psychological impact of prolonged gaming. According to data provided by the initiative's organizers on Thursday, 23 July, these issues have become the most prevalent challenges facing school administrators across the country. The initiative will deploy specialists to schools to conduct workshops for students, teachers, and parents to identify early warning signs of addiction and aggression. Support Framework for Families A central component of the campaign is the "Positive Behavior" framework, which provides schools with standardized protocols for intervention. Students identified as struggling with gaming addiction or vaping will be offered counseling services rather than immediate punitive measures, aiming for long-term behavioral correction. The initiative also includes digital safety training to help pupils navigate online interactions where bullying frequently originates. The program launched today in response to the latest quarterly review of student welfare…