Cyberbullying in schools: a new technique for an old practice! Leadership awareness versus school reality

Global Advanced Research Journal of Educational Research and Reviews (GARJERR) ISSN: 2315-5132

December 2013, 2(12): pp. 246-253

Full Length Research Paper

Cyberbullying in schools: a new technique for an old practice! Leadership awareness versus school reality

Norma Ghamrawi and Khalil Al-Jammal

Faculty of Education, Lebanese University

*Corresponding author Email: dr.norma_ghamrawi@hotmail.com

Accepted 15 December, 2013

Abstract

Cyberbullying describes forms of bullying using the technology. With the increased spread and usage of technology, cyber bullying has become prevalent in schools. The purpose of this study was to examine the degree private school principals in Beirut were aware of and responsive to the concept of cyber bullying. Parallel to this, the study surveyed randomly selected Grade 10 students to investigate if they were being involved in cyberbullying as a bully, bullied or bystanders. 50 private schools participated in the study, whereby 50 principals and 260 students completed relevant surveys. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21.0 for windows. Results indicate that cyber bullying knowledge of school principals was limited and so was their awareness of the notch to which it was taking place in their schools. Student results indicate that cyberbullying was widespread in investigated schools. Recommendations for both policy and practice are suggested as well as future research.

Keywords: school leadership – bullying - cyber bullying- technology – safe internet.