No laptops, only textbooks: Actor Madhavan supports UAE’s decision to bring back traditional learning in schools

Actor R Madhavan frequently delights followers on Instagram with engaging content, ranging from touching human stories and intimate personal anecdotes to intriguing facts, current news updates, and adorable animal clips. Fresh off his starring role in the acclaimed Tamil biographical drama GDN, the versatile Bollywood star recently took to his social media stories to applaud a progressive educational shift in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Recent reports reveal that UAE classrooms have banned digital devices, including laptops for Grade 6 students, favouring classic textbooks and notebooks instead.

UAE schools shift focus to traditional learning

According to a report by Gulf News, schools across the UAE introduced some new internal measures on September 14, in line with the ‘Guide to Reducing the Use of Digital Tools in Learning’. This initiative is targeted solely for Grade 6 pupils in Cycle 2 schools nationwide.

As part of the new directive, Grade 6 students across both general and advanced tracks are required to leave their laptops and other personal digital devices at home during the school day. Schools have also restricted the use of VPN applications and unauthorised private virtual platforms on their premises and networks, unless access is specifically approved for educational or administrative purposes.

Laptops remain available for specific academic needs

The shift places greater emphasis on textbooks, notebooks and face-to-face classroom engagement. Instead of relying on computers for routine lessons or assignments, students are encouraged to write by hand, participate in discussions, work collaboratively and engage in activities using non-digital learning materials.

Importantly, the change applies only to Grade 6 and does not amount to a complete technology ban. Laptops and digital platforms can still be used at home when required for a particular subject, educational resource, or assignment, based on teachers’ instructions. This effectively moves computer use from a daily classroom requirement to a more targeted tool used when there is a clear academic purpose.

New rules aim to reduce unnecessary screen use

Schools have also laid down guidelines for personal devices connected to their networks, covering both regular school hours and extracurricular activities held outside campus. The broader objective of the UAE’s guide is to reduce unnecessary screen exposure while ensuring students continue to benefit from technology when it genuinely supports their learning.

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The new model therefore creates a distinction between school and home learning. Classrooms will focus more heavily on books, handwriting, interaction and activities, while digital resources remain available at home when they are specifically needed for academic work.