Innovative School Leadership Approaches to Bullying Prevention and Conflict Management in Greek

Abstract

Abstract : School bullying remains one of the most critical challenges facing secondary education, affecting students’ well-being, academic engagement, and the overall school climate. As school leaders play a pivotal role in creating safe and inclusive learning environments, this study aims to investigate the contribution of school leadership to the prevention and management of bullying incidents in Greek secondary schools, with particular emphasis on innovative leadership practices and conflict management strategies. A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered electronically through Google Forms. The study involved secondary school principals serving in public schools across Greece. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26), applying descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and appropriate statistical tests were used to examine principals’ perceptions regarding bullying prevention, intervention practices, and leadership effectiveness. The findings indicate that school principals recognize bullying as a significant educational and social issue and consider school leadership a decisive factor in its effective prevention and management. Participants reported that collaborative leadership, the establishment of positive school climate, cooperation with school principals, parents, and external support services, as well as the implementation of preventive actions, contribute substantially to reducing bullying incidents. The results also suggest that leadership experience and professional development are associated with greater confidence and effectiveness in addressing school conflicts. The study highlights the importance of innovative school leadership approaches that combine preventive interventions, collaborative decision-making, and evidence-based conflict management practices. Its originality lies in examining school bullying through the perspective of educational leadership within the Greek secondary education context, offering insights that can inform educational policy, leadership training, and the development of more effective anti-bullying strategies in contemporary schools.