OA208. Perceptions of school safety and anti-bullying measures among students in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract Background A safe educational environment is essential for student well-being, promoting both mental health and academic engagement. Key components include the presence of trained personnel, clear reporting mechanisms, and access to anti-bullying education. This study explores student perspectives on the effectiveness of these safety measures in schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a focus on personnel availability, reporting channels, policy awareness, and exposure to anti-bullying initiatives. Methods Students in grades 6-8 from public and private schools in the UAE were selected using multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS v28.0. Results Among 629 students surveyed, 69% were male and 58% Emirati. Bullying was reported by 35%, slightly higher in private (40%) than public schools (33%). A majority (73%) had not spoken to anyone about their experience. Only 34% reported a designated person to handle bullying, while 49% were unsure if such a person existed. Although 94% reported a positive response from teachers when bullying was reported, satisfaction with principals differed between public (92%) and private schools (61%). Awareness of formal school policies or reporting procedures was low (41%). While 56% noted bullying discussions in health classes, only 35% reported textbook content on the topic. Just 18% were aware of external anti-bullying events, and only 49% perceived any change in bullying patterns over the past year. Conclusions The study reveals limited student awareness of school safety personnel and reporting procedures. Strengthening support systems and promoting anti-bullying initiatives are essential to improve school safety. Key messages • Many students in the UAE are unaware of safety policies and reporting mechanisms. • Enhancing school-based anti-bullying initiatives is key to improving student safety. Topic School safety, bullying prevention, United Arab Emirates.