PREVALENCE OF BULLYING AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the prevalence of bullying among secondary school students in Ondo State, Nigeria. The sample consisted of 600 students selected through multistage sampling technique from six secondary schools in the State. A structured questionnaire that sought information on the subjects involvement in bullying. Validity and reliability of the instrument were ensured through content validity and test-retest reliability techniques respectively. The results of data analysis on the experience and manifestation of bullying showed that less than half of the sample (28%) had experienced bullying while 42% had bullied other students. It also revealed that emotional form of bullying was most experienced and that boys had experienced and manifested bullying more than their female counterparts. The results point to the need for violence prevention programmes in schools.