Social Bullying Among Adolescents in School Settings in Nigeria: A Comparative Review of Counselling and Parenting Intervention Strategies

Janet  Olufunke BAMIDELE

Authors

Janet Olufunke BAMIDELE Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6360-5686

Keywords:

Social Bullying, Adolescents, Counselling, Parental Intervention

Abstract

Social bullying is a widespread problem amongst adolescents, with far-reaching consequences for their mental health, well-being and academic achievement. This comparative review examines the effectiveness of counselling strategies and parental interventions in preventing social bullying amongst adolescents. The study is grounded in Social-Ecological Systems Theory, which explains how adolescent behaviour is shaped by observation, imitation, and interactions within the family, school, and wider social environments. Methodologically, this study employs a systematic literature review, drawing on empirical and theoretical studies from peer-reviewed journals, books, and credible reports. Sources were selected based on relevance, recency, and methodological rigour, with an emphasis on studies addressing adolescent bullying, counselling interventions, and the role of parents. The findings of this review reveal that both counselling strategies and parental interventions are effective in preventing social bullying; however, counselling appears to be more impactful in addressing underlying psychological issues and equipping adolescents with coping and social skills. This research further highlights that a multifaceted approach combining counselling, parental involvement, school-based interventions, and community support yields more sustainable outcomes. This review underlines important implications for policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals seeking to prevent social bullying and promote positive adolescent development. It is recommended that policymakers support evidence-based interventions; educators integrate social-emotional learning into the curriculum; mental health professionals provide targeted counselling services; and parents maintain open communication, model positive behaviour, and seek professional support when necessary.

References

Adebanjo, A. M., & Oladejo, M. A. (2021). Prevalence and patterns of bullying among in-school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 17(3), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.9734/AJESS/2021/v17i330426

Adeosun, I., Adebogun, A. A., Jejelaye, A., Oyekunle, O., Ogunlowo, O. A., & Pedro, A. (2015). Bullying victimization among secondary school students in Lagos, Nigeria. Emotional, behavioral and mental correlates. British Journal of Education Society & Behavioural Sciences, 11(1), 1–8.

Akpan, M. U., & Ojinnaka, N. C. (2010). Academic performance of bullied pupils in Nigerian schools. African Journal of Psychiatry, 13(2), 143–146.

Aleje, P. O., & Adejumo, A. O. (2025). A systematic review of bullying among adolescents in Nigeria. Benue Journal of Social Sciences, 11(2).

Association, A. P. (2015). 2015 survey on bullying.

Atilola, O. (2012). Child mental-health policy development in sub-Saharan Africa: Broadening the perspectives using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model. Health Promotion International, 29(4), 662–671.

Bandura, A. (1973). Aggression: A Social Learning Analysis. Stanford Law Review, 26(1).

Benbenishty, R., Astor, R. A., & Marachi, R. (2002). Socialization and violence: Factors associated with bullying among Israeli and Palestinian youth. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 33(5), 484–505.

Bocij, P. (2004). Cyberstalking: Harassment in the internet age and how to protect your family. Praeger.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Chidiebere Obioha, W. C., Obi, J. V. C., Nnamani, K. E., Chima, U. E., Mefoh, P. C., Okoye, M. K., & Anozie, U. E. (2024). Child protection and practice. Interparental violence and school bullying among Nigerian adolescents: Moderating role of psychological resilience.

Crick, N. R., & Grotpeter, J. K. (1995). Relational aggression, gender, and social-psychological adjustment. Child Development, 66(3), 710–722.

Eisenberg, M. E., Neumark-Sztainer, D., & Perry, C. L. (2003). The relationship of social and behavioral factors to the onset of eating disorders in adolescent girls. Journal of Adolescent Health, 33(5), 360–367.

Falana, A., Ilevbare, F., & Adenike, A. O. (2025). Personality traits and cyberbullying: The moderating effect of class level among in-school adolescents in Nigeria. European Review of Applied Sociology, 18(31), 1–10.

Fawole, O. I., Okedare, O. O., & Reed, E. (2021). Predictors of bullying perpetration and victimization among in-school adolescents in Nigeria: Evidence from a nationally representative survey. PLOS ONE, 16(8), e0255413. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0255413

Hertz, M., Jelen, A. E., & Wilfert, K. (2017). Bullying and victimization among adolescents: A review of the literature. Journal of Adolescent Health, 61(3), 347–355.

Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2012). Cyberbullying: An exploratory analysis of factors related to offending and victimization. Deviant Behavior, 33(2), 129–146.

Ibadan, U. of. (2018). Prevalence of bullying among students in public secondary schools in Ibadan North East LGA, Oyo State. African Digital Health Library. Diambil dari https://library.adhl.africa/handle/123456789/11795

Ige, T. S., & Akintaro, O. A. (2023). Bullying experiences among adolescents in selected secondary schools in Edo State, Nigeria. The Pan African Medical Journal, 46, 84. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2023.46.84.36853

Ighaede-Edwards, I. G., Xiaoqun, L., Olawade, D., Ling, J., & Odetayo, A. (2023). Prevalence and predictors of bullying among in-school adolescents in Nigeria. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 18(4). https://doi.org/10.1616/j.jtumed.2023.05.009

Jolliffe, D., & Farrington, D. P. (2006). Development and validation of a short measure of empathy and callous/unemotional traits. Journal of Adolescence, 29(5), 759–777.

Juvonen, J., Wang, Y., & Espinoza, G. (2011). Bullying experiences and compromised academic performance across middle school grades. Journal of Educational Psychology, 103(3), 609–617.

Kowalski, R. M., Limber, S. P., & Agatston, P. W. (2023). Cyberbullying: Bullying in the digital age (latest edition). Wiley-Blackwell.

Leary, M. R. (2012). Aggression and violence. In Handbook of self and identity (hal. 541–558). Guilford Press.

Mishna, F. (2003). Learning disabilities and bullying: Double jeopardy. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 36(4), 336–347.

Nakamoto, J., & Schwartz, D. (2010). Is bullying a result of low socioeconomic status? Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 39(10), 1113–1123.

Nansel, T. R., Overpeck, M., Pilla, R. S., Ruan, W. J., Simons-Morton, B., & Scheidt, P. (2001). Bullying behaviors among US youth: Prevalence and association with psychosocial adjustment. JAMA, 285(16), 2094–2100.

Ogunfowora, B. (2015). Bullying among Nigerian adolescents: Prevalence and correlates. Journal of Adolescent Health, 56(4), 432–436.

Ojedokun, O., & Balogun, S. K. (2021). Bullying victimization and psychosocial adjustment among Nigerian adolescents.

Okoiye, O. E., Adebayo, D. O., & Ayodele, K. O. (2015). Moderating effect of emotional intelligence on the relationship between academic stress and psychological well-being among students. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 4(2), 28–35.

Olweus, D. (1993). Bullying at school: What we know and what we can do. Blackwell Publishing.

Olweus, D. (2013). School bullying: Development and some important challenges. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 9, 751–780.

Ostrov, J. M., Kamper, K. E., & Hart, E. J. (2013). Relational aggression and victimization in childhood and adolescence. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 42(5), 651–663.

Oyinlola, O. O. (2017). Prevalence and correlates of bullying among secondary school students in Lagos State, Nigeria. Journal of Adolescent Health, 61(3), 356–362.

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., & Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71.

Puhl, R. M., Peterson, J. L., & Luedicke, J. (2015). Weight-based bullying and internalized weight stigma: A review of the literature. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 44(1), 153–164.

Raji, I., Sabitu, K., Bashir, S. S., Lawal, B., Umar, K. A., Raji, M., & Usman, A. (2019). Prevalence and predictors of bullying victimization among in-school adolescents in Sokoto Metropolis, Northwestern Nigeria. International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research, 6(9).

Simon, G. K. (1996). In sheep’s clothing: Understanding and dealing with manipulative people. Baker Books.

Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339.

Swearer, S. M., & Espelage, D. L. (2004). A social-ecological model for bullying prevention and intervention. In Bullying in American schools: A social-ecological perspective on prevention and intervention (hal. 13–33). Lawrence Erlbaum.

UNICEF. (2019). Bullying.

Xiao, Y., & Watson, M. (2019). Guidance on conducting a systematic literature review. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 39(1), 93–112.

Zych, I., Farrington, D. P., & Ttofi, M. M. (2022). Bullying and cyberbullying: Protective factors and effective interventions. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 64, 101675.