Strengthening Discipline in Schools

Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Khaled Al-Rashid issued a circular regarding “the rules and prohibitions governing work and conduct within schools,” which included a set of regulations organizing professional, administrative, and educational practices, and emphasized the obligation of all schools to comply with them.

The Ministry of Education stated that the circular comes within the framework of strengthening adherence to existing regulations and systems, and consolidating sound professional behavior, in line with the educational role of the educational institution and its mission to build generations, while providing a safe school environment that stimulates learning and work. The ministry clarified that the circular obliged all schools, members of the teaching and administrative staff, and all employees to adhere to a set of rules and prohibitions, the most prominent of which is the prohibition of collecting monetary amounts or accepting cash, in-kind, or other donations or contributions within the school from teachers, administrators, students, or parents for any purpose.

The circular also prohibited the sale of goods or services to students and employees, or the promotion and advertising thereof, or the exploitation of one’s position and school facilities to achieve any personal or material benefit for oneself or others, while emphasizing that no purchasing, contracting, disbursement, or collection operations should be conducted except in accordance with the prescribed regulations and controls.

Regarding school canteens, the Ministry of Education stressed the prohibition of selling, distributing, or bringing food or beverages from unapproved sources into the school for any reason, and the prohibition of operating the canteen or offering products that do not comply with the health requirements for school canteens or the circulars issued by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition and the Ministry of Education.

The ministry emphasized the necessity of adhering to the regulations governing food distributions during events, after verifying the source, food safety, storage methods, and compliance with health requirements, alongside daily supervision and follow-up of canteen operations, ensuring the regularity of service provision, the quality and safety of food and beverages, and their conformity with the circulars regulating school canteens.

On another note, the Deputy Minister of Education issued a decision regulating school working hours, which begin at 7:15 a.m. and extend until 2:15 p.m.

For more details: Strict controls on school canteens and full compliance with approved health requirements; “Education” enhances discipline within schools: Prohibition of collecting funds and donations and exploiting school facilities for personal benefits.

Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Khaled Al-Rashid issued a circular regarding “the regulations and prohibitions on work and conduct within schools,” which includes a set of rules governing professional, administrative, and educational practices, and emphasizes the obligation of all schools to comply with them.

The circular is issued in accordance with Ministerial Decision No. (151) of 2026 concerning the Comprehensive Regulatory Bylaws for Education, decisions regulating health and nutritional requirements, Ministry of Finance Decision No. (271) of 2022 regarding the regulations for accepting donations and contributions, and Public Authority for Civil Service Circular No. (2) of 2021 concerning the Code of Conduct for employees of government entities.

The Ministry of Education emphasized that the circular aims to strengthen adherence to existing regulations and systems, and to consolidate proper professional conduct, in line with the educational role of the educational institution and its mission to build generations, while providing a safe school environment that stimulates learning and work.

The Ministry clarified that the circular obligates all schools, members of the teaching and administrative staff, and all employees to adhere to a set of regulations and prohibitions. Among the most prominent is the prohibition of collecting monetary amounts or accepting cash, in-kind, or other donations or gifts within the school from teachers, administrators, students, or parents for any purpose.

The circular also prohibits the sale of goods or services to students and employees, or the promotion and advertising thereof, as well as the exploitation of one’s position and school facilities to achieve any personal or material benefit for oneself or others. It further emphasizes that no purchasing, contracting, disbursement, or collection operations shall be conducted except in accordance with established regulations and controls.

Regarding school canteens, the Ministry of Education stressed the prohibition of selling, distributing, or introducing food or beverages from unapproved sources into the school for any reason. It also prohibits operating the canteen or offering products that do not comply with the health requirements for school canteens or the circulars issued by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition and the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry emphasized the necessity of adhering to regulations governing food distributions during events, in accordance with Ministry of Health Decision No. (15) of 2025 regarding the issuance of the School Canteens Bylaws. This requires verifying the source, food safety, storage methods, and compliance with health requirements. It also mandates daily supervision and follow-up on canteen operations to ensure the continuity of service, the quality and safety of food and beverages, and their compliance with regulations governing school canteens, pursuant to Minister of Health Decision No. (15) of 2025 issued on May 28, 2025, and Assistant Undersecretary for General Education Circular No. (23) of 2025 issued on September 21, 2025.

The Ministry pointed out the necessity of preparing a daily follow-up register for the school canteen, approved by the school principal, which records all violations, regardless of their nature, including the non-compliance of displayed items or the lack of health requirements among canteen workers or other violations. A designated officer from the team responsible for the school canteen must be appointed to periodically report violations identified through follow-up activities to inspectors from the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, in accordance with Article (6), paragraph (1) of the aforementioned Minister of Health Decision.

The Ministry of Education also stressed the necessity of activating canteen contract conditions and issuing a warning to the contractor with the school administration to rectify the violation within a specified period of no less than three working days from the date of the warning. In case of non-compliance, a penalty of contract termination will be imposed in accordance with applicable regulations.

Regarding events, activities, and photography within schools, the Ministry clarified that the circular prohibits organizing any event, activity, or celebration that involves hosting individuals from outside the Ministry of Education, or conducting any photography within the school premises, without prior explicit written approval from the competent authority within the Ministry. It also prohibits coordinating, contracting, or hosting any entity, institution, or individuals from outside the Ministry to conduct any activity without the approval of competent authorities. All activities and events must be limited to achieving clear educational and pedagogical objectives and must be approved within the school plan.

The Ministry of Education confirmed the prohibition of using the school’s name or the Ministry of Education’s logo in any publications, advertisements, or commercial sponsorships without obtaining the approved administrative and official approvals and coordination.

Regarding the use of social media, the Ministry stressed the prohibition of exploiting one’s official position or discussing Ministry of Education affairs for any reason, particularly the photography of Ministry-affiliated workplaces or employees and the publication of such images. It also prohibits photographing, recording, publishing images of, or disseminating the data of students without prior written approval that meets the required conditions, and prohibits sharing their images via private accounts or communication groups. Furthermore, linking students’ images with their personal information or using them outside their designated educational purpose is forbidden.

The Ministry also confirmed the prohibition of disclosing or leaking school secrets, documents, or the information of students, parents, and employees, or requesting information unrelated to work or misusing it. It is also prohibited to issue statements, publish news, or share content in the name of the Ministry or the school, or to use their logos in advertisements and personal pages, except after obtaining official permission from the competent authority.

The circular strongly prohibits the publication of rumors, incorrect information, or any content offensive to the Ministry of Education, the school, students, or employees, via social media or other means.

The Ministry of Education clarified that organizing any event without obtaining the required approvals from competent authorities constitutes an administrative violation that warrants immediate referral for investigation to the Legal Affairs Department at the Ministry, and the application of prescribed disciplinary penalties in accordance with systems and regulations. The Ministry emphasized the importance of full commitment to professionalism and adopting proper conduct in all actions, stemming from the high role and noble mission of the educational institution in building generations and shaping societal awareness. It is based on the belief that teachers and administrators serve as primary role models for students, with a commitment to professional responsibility in performing duties with honesty and dedication, and striving for continuous performance improvement to serve the educational process.

The circular further stressed the necessity of exemplifying good conduct and proper behavior, and embodying ethical and educational values in daily interactions, while avoiding anything that might compromise the dignity or diminish the prestige of the profession. It also emphasizes pedagogical interaction with students and building relationships based on mutual respect, ensuring their psychological and physical safety, and avoiding any behaviors that fall outside the accepted educational framework.

The importance of enhancing mutual respect in the work environment, fostering a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among members of the teaching and administrative staff, and resolving disputes through official and administrative channels was also emphasized. This includes adherence to administrative discipline, compliance with official working hours and existing regulations, and the preservation of the educational institution’s assets and properties.

The circular also stipulates that teaching staff must not use mobile phones or smart devices during class hours for non-educational purposes, in a manner that does not affect the performance of duties or the flow of the class.

The Ministry of Education confirmed that any actions or behaviors that violate systems and regulations or fall outside the framework of proper professional practices within the school will not be tolerated. Immediate legal and administrative measures will be taken against any violation.

The Ministry obligated school administrations to inform all employees of the circular’s content, document their awareness of it, and make it available in a prominent place and through official communication channels. School administrations are also responsible for immediately halting any violation if safety requires it, preserving evidence, preparing an incident report, and escalating the matter through the administrative chain to the competent authority.