In the UAE, 2026 is officially the ‘Year of the Family’, and with it comes a significant legal shift. As of 1 January 2026, the Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2025 on Child Digital Safety (CDS Law) has moved digital privacy from “best practice” to a mandatory federal requirement for all educational institutions.

1 The ‘Under 13’ Personal Data Prohibition

One of the most consequential sections of the new law is the strict control over data for younger learners.

The Clause:

Digital platforms and entities (including schools) are prohibited from collecting, processing, or sharing personal data of children under the age of 13.

The Exception:

You must obtain “explicit, documented, and verifiable consent” from the parent or guardian.

Principal’s Action: Schools must now audit their ‘EdTech’ stack. Any app used in the classroom that tracks student data without this specific level of consent is now a legal liability.

2 Mandatory 24-Hour Reporting

Under the 2026 framework, schools are no longer just educators; they are first responders.

The Duty:

Schools must report suspected cases of online harm—including cyberbullying, identity theft, or exposure to harmful content—to the authorities within 24 hours.

The Link:

This aligns with the Wadeema Law (Federal Law No. 3 of 2016), which treats digital neglect as a form of child abuse.

3 Training & Partnership: The Role of Z PD

Compliance cannot be achieved by the IT department alone. It requires a “Culture of Vigilance” across the entire community. This is where Z PD provides the necessary support:

For Leaders:

Strategic workshops on aligning school policies with ADEK/KHDA 2026 Inspection Frameworks.

For Teachers:

Training on proactive detection of digital risks using AI and classroom management of personal data.

For Parents:

Z PD offers specialised sessions to help parents fulfil their legal obligations under the CDS Law to monitor their child’s digital activities and avoid “sharenting” (negatively exploiting a child’s privacy online).

Action Plan for the SLT

Priority Action Responsibility
Data Audit Map all third-party apps used by students under 13. IT Manager
Policy Update Include “Digital Harm” in the 24-hour Safeguarding reporting flow. DSL
Community Training Book a Zen PD workshop for staff and parents to ensure legal awareness. Principal

Ready to Ensure Compliance?

Z PD offers comprehensive training programmes to help your school meet the 2026 Digital Safeguarding Mandate.

Visit Z PD →