SCHOOL PRINCIPALS' PERSPECTIVES ON SOCIAL MEDIA INTEGRATION IN EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INQUIRY

This research paper explores the implications of social media integration in educational management, emphasizing the necessity of establishing clear policies and guidelines for its effective use. It highlights the importance of creating dedicated educational spaces on social platforms to foster meaningful interactions, promote content creation, and ensure responsible communication among students, faculty, and staff. The study advocates for enhancing digital literacy and critical thinking skills among students, enabling them to navigate social media responsibly. Recommendations for future research include developing comprehensive policies on acceptable social media usage, facilitating collaborative projects, and providing resources for online safety and privacy. The paper underscores the need for regular evaluation of social media's impact on student learning, communication, and engagement, suggesting methods for collecting feedback and analyzing data. Finally, it stresses the importance of maintaining boundaries between personal and professional social media use for educators. The conclusion calls for a balanced approach that prioritizes student welfare and academic achievement while promoting responsible digital citizenship through ongoing assessment and adaptation of integration strategies. Keywords: Social Media Integration, Educational Management, Digital Literacy, Social Media Usage, Professional Social Media Us