Using social networks in school crisis management: evidence from middle school principals in Kuwait

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to identify the extent to which middle school principals use social networks in managing a school crisis. It used a descriptive survey approach and employed a questionnaire to examine a sample comprising 66 middle school principals. The study found a low degree of dependence by principals on social networks in general and across the all stages of a crisis. The most commonly used social networks included WhatsApp (69.7%), Twitter (24.2%), and Facebook and Instagram (up to 3%). Further, the study presents some recommendations for the development and improvement of the response mechanisms deployed by principals during a school crisis.