DEALING WITH CYBERBULLYING IN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN MALAYSIA: THE ROLE OF SCHOOL LEADERS

Abstract

With the growing prevalence of cyberbullying in schools, school leaders have a crucial role to play in addressing this issue. This case study explores the practices of school leaders in detecting, intervening, and preventing cases of cyberbullying in international schools. Eight school leaders and 12 teachers participated in semistructured interviews and focus group discussions, respectively. Thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti was employed to analyze the data, which revealed the importance of school leaders in fostering a positive learning environment and involving the school community in addressing cyberbullying. Detection, intervention, and prevention strategies were employed by the schools, as well as policies and programs that promote digital citizenship. The article concludes with implications for school leaders and schools, including the need to acknowledge and prioritize the issue of cyberbullying, and to develop and implement relevant strategies, policies, and programs not only in international schools but in other academic institutions dealing with cyberbullying.