Bullying and Mental Health Problems Among Schooling Adolescents in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

School bullying is prevalent but few Nigerian studies have explored its association with mental health problems. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of bullying as well as its association with mental health problems among secondary school students in South-west Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out in eight secondary schools in Osogbo, Nigeria. Instruments used were: Socio-demographic questionnaire, Bully Survey and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Chi-square test of association investigated associations between bullying and mental health problems. The level of significance was set at 95%.About half (n=331, 48.1%) of the students had been victims of bullying, with gender and school type offering no protection. Bullying was most prevalent during school hours (n=202, 29.4%), and verbal bullying (n49.5%) was commoner than the physical or relational forms. Of the psychosocial problems identified, having peer problems was significantly associated with being bullied (X2= 20.69, p< 0.001). Social skills training for in-school adolescents may stem the tide of bullying. A pragmatic approach to reducing/eliminating bullying would take into cognisance the role of all stakeholders. Bullying has to be addressed if school mental health would be actualised.