Two separate court rulings in Al Ain have underscored the serious consequences of school bullying and violence, with parents now being held financially responsible for their children’s actions.
The Al Ain Court for Civil, Commercial and Administrative Claims ordered parents to pay a total of Dh65,000 in compensation after their children were found guilty of bullying and physically assaulting classmates — acts that left the victims injured and emotionally traumatised.
In the first ruling, a father was ordered to pay Dh30,000 after his two sons repeatedly bullied and attacked a classmate at school, even recording the incident.
The sustained harassment caused the victim fear, mood swings and emotional distress. The minors had previously been convicted in a related criminal case confirming their behaviour and the harm caused.
In a separate case, several guardians were ordered to jointly pay Dh35,000 after their children assaulted another student using sharp tools. The attack left the victim with multiple wounds and emotional trauma, temporarily preventing him from carrying out daily activities.
Both criminal convictions were upheld on appeal, establishing the minors’ guilt and the guardians’ negligence in supervision. The compensation covered physical injuries, emotional distress and psychological harm suffered by the victims.
The court cited Article 313 of the UAE Civil Transactions Law, which states that guardians are legally liable for damage caused by minors under their care if proper supervision is not maintained.
The ruling emphasised that parental responsibility extends beyond the household — to schools, playgrounds and any environment where their children’s behaviour can cause harm.
Furthermore, the court referenced the findings from criminal proceedings to establish civil liability. It relied on evidence of wrongdoing, the extent of injury and the victims’ suffering in determining the amount of compensation.
By basing compensation on the seriousness of harm and the victims’ recovery period, the court delivered a clear message: bullying and violence among minors carry consequences that extend to parents and guardians.
Legal experts have noted that these rulings strengthen the UAE’s broader commitment to ensuring safe educational environments. They also serve as a deterrent to parents, reminding them of their legal duty to supervise and correct their children’s conduct.
The Al Ain judgments mark a significant step toward accountability in addressing school bullying — reaffirming that negligence in child supervision can result in both criminal and civil repercussions.