The Role of School Social Worker in Addressing Behavioral Problems among Students in the United Arab Emirates Schools

Theoretical analytical study

Abstract

This study explores the role of the school social worker in addressing behavioral problems among students in schools across the United Arab Emirates, as one of the critical issues that directly affect the quality and stability of the educational environment. The study focuses on analyzing the social worker’s preventive, therapeutic, and developmental roles in managing a range of behavioral patterns that negatively impact the school climate, such as school violence, bullying, lying, aggressive behavior, social withdrawal, defiance, excessive joking, truancy, and smoking.

It also aims to examine the key factors contributing to these behavioral problems, including psychological factors such as low self-esteem and anxiety, social and family factors such as neglect, overindulgence, or family disintegration, as well as school-related factors such as educational injustice or academic pressure. The research further evaluates the effectiveness of the professional interventions employed by school social workers and the challenges they face in their work environments, including limited resources, role ambiguity, and lack of institutional support.

The study adopts a descriptive analytical approach and draws upon several previous Arabic and international studies. It also employs two key sociological theories—Role Theory and Structural Functionalism Theory—to interpret the position of the social worker within the educational system and their contribution to maintaining school balance.

The findings conclude that the school social worker plays a fundamental role in reducing behavioral issues, and that their effectiveness increases with the availability of institutional support, active cooperation with parents and teachers, and continuous professional training. The study provides a set of recommendations focused on enhancing school policies, expanding the professional scope of school social workers, and raising awareness in the school community about the significance of their role in improving student behavior and the overall quality of education.