DYNAMICS OF CHILD-TO-CHILD BULLYING AND FAMILY STRUCTURE IN SELECTED NEIGHBOURHOODS OF IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Child-to-Child bullying poses a threat to the wellbeing of children and adolescents. The dynamics of bullying among children has received limited attention in Nigerian literature space. Hence, this study examined child-to-child bullying and family structure in selected neighbourhoods in Ibadan Nigeria. The research design was a cross-sectional, with mixed-methods approach. The research sample comprised children aged 8 to 17 years, their parents, community leaders, and religious figures, in selected neighbourhoods. More than half (58%) of respondents were female, (24.3%) enrolled in secondary school, and of Yoruba ethnicity. More males (53.2%) reported bullying than females (43.5%). Verbal bullying was reported as the most common (57.4%). More than half (50.2%) of participants reported family conflict. There was a correlation between the components of family dynamics (such as family characteristics and conflict) and bullying behaviours. (x= 26.91, p<0.01). Interpersonal relationships and family characteristics have a significant influence on bullying behaviours among children in the community. Physical and verbal bullying are critical issues in social relations among the study population, understanding these dynamics is essential for effectively addressing child-to-child bullying.

Keywords: Child-to-child bullying, family structure, neighbourhood bullying and mid-adolescence