Education Ministry issues directive on handling serious student misconduct

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education has issued a directive regarding fourth-degree behavioral issues in primary schools, as well as fourth-degree behavioral issues in intermediate and secondary schools.

For primary schools, fourth-degree behavioral issues include: disrespect or mockery of Islamic rituals, insults against the state or its symbols, sexual harassment, starting fires on school premises, possession or use of cigarettes or any form of smoking inside the school, possession of sharp objects such as knives, all forms of cybercrime, displaying or promoting images or symbols associated with homosexuality, all types of bullying, and possession or distribution of prohibited media materials in print, audio, or video formats.

Corrective educational measures for such behavior involve referring the student to school administration for actions including: summoning the student's guardian to explain the consequences and discuss a behavior modification plan, establishing a joint preventive program with the family, obtaining a written pledge from the student not to repeat the behavior, and having the guardian acknowledge this in writing. Ten points are deducted from the student's positive behavior score, with opportunities for compensation provided and the guardian notified. The student must apologize to those affected, and is referred to the school counselor for further assessment. The school administration must urgently submit the guidance committee's meeting report on the case to the Education Directorate.

The Education Director may also issue a decision to transfer the student to another school, with the student continuing their studies. The guardian's opinion is considered regarding the new school; if the guardian does not agree, the student is transferred to the nearest school to their residence. The case is referred to the counselor at the new school to provide a behavioral modification program, including counseling sessions. After completing the program, the student and guardian sign a written pledge to maintain good conduct, and the case is monitored by the counselor at the new school to provide ongoing support.

For intermediate and secondary schools, if a student commits a fourth-degree behavioral offense, the first corrective measure is applied. If the same offense is repeated, the next level of intervention is implemented.

Such behavioral issues include intentionally injuring another student by hitting or using non-sharp objects causing wounds, bleeding, or fractures; theft of student or school property; unauthorized photography or audio recording of students; deliberate damage to school facilities such as computers, safety equipment, electrical systems, laboratories, or school buses; smoking of any kind on school premises; truancy; bringing or using dangerous materials or toys such as fireworks, colored gas sprays, or chemicals; and possession or distribution of prohibited media materials in any format.

The first corrective measure involves referring the student to the school's guidance committee immediately after the incident for actions including: summoning the guardian to explain the consequences of repeated behavior, discussing a behavior modification plan, establishing a joint preventive program with the family, obtaining a written pledge from the student not to repeat the behavior with a warning of possible transfer, and having the guardian acknowledge this in writing. Ten points are deducted from the student's positive behavior score, with opportunities for compensation provided and the guardian notified. The student must apologize to those affected, repair or replace any damaged property with the guardian notified, and any prohibited items are confiscated and destroyed if not otherwise regulated, with a report prepared by the guidance committee.

The student may also be transferred to another class as decided by the guidance committee, with ongoing monitoring and support from the counselor. The second measure includes all previous steps except class transfer, and requires the guidance committee's report to be urgently submitted to the Education Directorate. The Education Director may then decide to transfer the student to another school (for second and third year high school students, this is handled according to the pathways system), with the student remaining at the current school until the transfer is completed and the guardian's opinion considered.

If the guardian does not agree with the new school, the student is transferred to the nearest school to their residence. The student is given opportunities to modify their behavior and recover deducted points at the new school, with the guardian notified. The case is monitored by the counselor at the new school to provide ongoing support.

In all cases, if necessary, the Red Crescent is called to transport injured students to the nearest health center. Relevant security authorities are notified immediately after informing the guardian and documenting all actions taken. If the incident involves abuse, neglect, or other cases covered by regulations, the case is reported directly to the 1919 hotline for further action.