PARENTAL MONITORING, TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE AND DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES ON BULLYING AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN IBADAN

Abstract

Bullying remains a critical psychosocial issue affecting adolescents globally, with contextual and individual factors playing significant roles in its manifestation. This study investigated the influence of school location, parental monitoring, traumatic experiences, and demographic variables on bullying experiences among in-school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design with an ex-post facto approach was employed. Data were collected from 1,733 adolescents aged 12–19 across eight public secondary schools selected from four local government areas in Ibadan. Instruments included the Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale (MPVS), Parental Monitoring Short Scale (PMSS), and a researcher-developed Trauma Experience Short Scale. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, post hoc LSD tests, and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed a statistically significant difference in bullying levels based on school location (F(3, 1686) = 66.52, p < .001), with Egbeda recording the lowest bullying rates and Ibadan North the highest. Multiple regression showed that traumatic experiences significantly predicted bullying (β = 0.124, p < .001), while parental monitoring did not (β = -0.033, p = .170). Furthermore, age, gender, and location jointly and significantly predicted bullying (R² = .018, p < .001), with age negatively predicting bullying, and gender and location having positive predictive effects. The study highlights the multifaceted nature of bullying, demonstrating the impact of environmental factors, past trauma, and demographic variables on adolescents' experiences. The non-significant role of parental monitoring suggests that contextual and interpersonal dynamics may moderate its protective influence. Targeted, location-specific, trauma-informed, and demographically sensitive interventions are essential to effectively address bullying among adolescents in Nigerian schools. Keywords: Bullying, Adolescents, Parental Monitoring, Traumatic Experience, School Location, Nigeria