Okaz/Saudi Gazette
RIYADH – Elementary grade students whose class absence percentage reaches 30% will be transferred to the abuse and domestic violence center in line with child protection laws and as per the Ministry of Education’s new Code of Conduct and Attendance for Elementary Schools.
The new guidelines, which consist of 30 breaches and were announced earlier by the ministry, divide breaches into four levels. The code regards frequent student absences as blatant negligence that could lead student to be dropped from school. Exclusion or expulsion from school for one semester or school year is not included in the code. The power to expel student from a school was restricted to directors of education in the past.
The new code included penalties for the use of smart phones. As for behavior of students and the role of school in correcting such behavior, the code sets three classification of conduct: First level (ordinary), second level (Problem arises) and third level (referring student to pertinent department). Behavior disorders for fourth graders are divided into four levels: first degree behavior problems, which include four breaches: (1) not wearing school uniform (2) sleeping in classroom (3) entering and leaving classroom without permission (4) loitering outside school premises at noon.
Second degree behavior problems consist of eight breaches: (1) causing mayhem inside classroom, school premises or school bus (2) taking part in a fight (3) causing damage to another student’s property on purpose (4) fighting with colleagues (5) skipping classes (6) bringing smart devices (7) vandalizing school property (8) stealing other students’ property.
Third degree behavior problems consist of 14 breaches (1) use of foul language and swearing words against teachers or administrative employees (2) stealing a teacher’s or school’s property (3) intentional damage to a teacher’s or school’s property (4) vandalizing school’s property (5) possession of banned media material (6) use of dangerous games (7) carrying communications devices (containing improper material) (8) signing on behalf of guardian without the guardian’s knowledge (9) beating a student (10) bullying (11) skipping school (12) videoing teachers and students using electronic devices (13) indirect sexual harassment (14) disrespecting school books.
Fourth degree behavior problems consist of four breaches: (1) direct sexual harassment (2) setting fire in school premises (3) possession of cigarettes or smoking (4) carrying sharp tools in order to threaten or assault a student.
