Bullying in UAE schools is a multifaceted issue shaped by socio-cultural expectations, digital exposure, and economic disparities, yet existing research has largely overlooked the intersection of these factors. This study aims to provide a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of bullying behaviors, particularly cyberbullying, through an integrated socio-technological framework. Using a mixed-methods approach, data will be collected from 600 participants, comprising 400 students (grades 4–10), 100 teachers, and 100 parents across diverse school settings in urban and suburban UAE. The study employs natural language processing (NLP) techniques to analyze digital bullying discourse on social media and messaging platforms, alongside quantitative surveys assessing bullying prevalence, risk factors, and intervention efficacy. Additionally, qualitative in-depth interviews will explore how family honor, gender roles, and school culture influence bullying dynamics. Preliminary findings suggest that cyberbullying increasingly reflects offline social hierarchies, with digital platforms amplifying traditional bullying patterns. Furthermore, a parental blind spot exists, as many underestimate the frequency and severity of online bullying, resulting in delayed interventions. The study's dual impact lies in (1) providing evidence-based recommendations for culturally responsive anti-bullying policies tailored to the UAE’s unique socio-digital landscape, and (2) developing an AI-powered early detection system for school administrators to track and mitigate bullying incidents in real-time. By integrating big data analytics, social psychology, and educational policy frameworks, this research advances a holistic and scalable model for combating bullying in the UAE’s evolving educational and digital ecosystem.

Authors:
Karima Almazroui, Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities, United Arab Emirates

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Karima Almazroui is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities in United Arab Emirates

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karima-m-almazroui-01523546

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