Bullying in Nigeria Disturbing – Expert

Dr. Obatomi Alalade, a consultant physicalist has highlighted the disturbing rates of bullying among Nigerian adolescents, with figures ranging from 21% to as high as 82%.

Alalade said this on Friday at a weekly interaction forum on X space organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) and monitored by our correspondent.

Speaking on a topic: ‘mental health; understanding bullying, physical Violence in schools and drugs abuse’, Dr Alalade said the wide variation, he explained, points to a deepening crisis, particularly affecting young teenagers aged 12 to 15 years.

He described bullying as a “deliberate and persistent act of aggression” that creates a power imbalance, often targeting those unable to defend themselves.

He noted that bullying manifests in various forms—verbal abuse, physical violence, cyberbullying, and social exclusion—with each type having lasting consequences on the victim’s mental health.

While bullying is a global issue, Dr. Alalade said that Nigeria’s youth face disproportionately high rates, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. “In Nigeria, bullying rates can range anywhere from 21% to 82%, with the most vulnerable group being adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15,” he said.

He stressed that bullying’s impact extends beyond immediate harm, often leading to long-term psychological issues such as depression, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts. “Bullying can lead to severe mental health challenges and, in some cases, can result in suicide,” Dr. Alalade warned.

Dr. Alalade also pointed to the role of parenting and exposure to violence in shaping bullying behavior. “Children who experience trauma are more likely to become bullies themselves,” he added, urging for urgent intervention to break the cycle of aggression and create safer environments for Nigeria’s youth.