Egyptian Schools Pioneer Ethical AI and Social Media Integration to Boost Student Focus, Wellbeing, and Engagement

Two groundbreaking teacher-led studies, supported by the British Council’s Action Research Grants Programme, are setting new standards for how schools in Egypt and globally can integrate digital behaviour, artificial intelligence (AI), and emotional wellbeing into modern teaching. Conducted at Ramses College for Girls in Cairo and Salahaldin International School in Alexandria, these initiatives demonstrate that responsible digital practice, structured AI adoption, and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) can significantly enhance student engagement, academic outcomes, and overall wellbeing.

Ramses College: Turning Digital Habits into Learning Opportunities

At Ramses College for Girls, High School Principal Hala Tewfik led a whole-school initiative to address a pressing question: How can schools transform pervasive digital habits into meaningful learning experiences rather than distractions?

The project introduced:

• A school-wide digital policy promoting responsible technology use.

• Psychologist-led workshops on cognitive health.

• Teacher training focused on AI-supported lesson design.

“Students today don’t disconnect from digital life when they walk into school, and neither should our teaching methods. Our goal is to guide students to use social media and AI responsibly, ethically, and in ways that enhance their learning,” said Hala Tewfik.

Results:

• 100% of students increased awareness of social media’s impact on focus, memory, and wellbeing.

• 80–90% of students recognised educational benefits from digital platforms.

• Teachers improved digital communication skills, with 90% planning to integrate AI tools into lesson planning.

The initiative fostered a unified approach to responsible technology use, embedding ethical digital practices across the school community.

Salahaldin International School: SEL Enhances Academic Performance

In Alexandria, Academic Lead Mustafa Atas explored how Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) impacts student performance and classroom climate.

Key outcomes included:

• 25% increase in student participation.

• 30% reduction in classroom conflict.

• Over 70% of students reported higher confidence and improved academic performance.

Ammar Ahmed, Exams Director at British Council Egypt, commented:
“Emotional development and digital literacy are not competing priorities. Together, they build confident, balanced learners. When teachers are equipped with the right tools and leadership support, the impact extends far beyond individual classrooms.”

Part of a Global Education Movement

The Egypt projects are among 12 teacher-led studies funded through the British Council’s Action Research Grants Programme, now in its second edition. The 2025 cycle includes countries such as Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Egypt, focusing on AI integration, digital wellbeing, gender inclusion, and teacher development.

The full set of findings will be shared at the global online event Action Research Now!, taking place on 11–12 December 2025, providing actionable insights for education systems worldwide.

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Operating in over 200 countries and territories, the Council builds connections, understanding, and trust worldwide. In 2024–25, the British Council reached 599 million people globally.