PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL EFFECTS OF BULLYING AMONG ADOLESCENTS

This study assessed the Psychological and Social Effects of Bullying among Adolescents. Theresearch was guided by four (5) objectives which included to; identify indicator factors showingthat students are being bullied, identify different forms of bullying, identify riskfactorsassociated with involvement in bullying, assess the psychological effect of bullying adolescents, and To determine social effect of bullying on adolescents The study adopted a descriptive surveyresearch design. The population of the study comprised selected adolescents in JSS1-SSS3inMount St Gadriel Secondary School Makurdi, St. Dominic High school TseAyu, Makurdi, OurLady of Mount Carmel College Makurdi. From which 280 respondent were sampledintheselected schools. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnairetitled"Psychological and Social Effects of Bullying among Adolescents" The data generatedwereanalyzed using descriptive statistical tool of mean and standard deviation to answer the researchquestions. The first finding in this study revealed the respondent's perception regarding thesignsof bullying among students. Students are generally flogged by senior student for no reasonandIhave been insulted by my mate and seniors both received the highest mean scores of 3.14whichis above the established cut-off point of 2.50. The second finding revealed respondents' perceptions regarding the Psychological and Social Effect of Bullying among Adolescents. Physical bullying (hitting, pushing, kicking or any physical harm), received the highest meanscore of 3.61 with the cutoff point way above 2.50. The third finding provided valuable insightsinto perceived factors contributing to variations in bullying among adolescents. Individuals withaggressive personality may engage in bullying recorded the highest mean scores of 3.46surpassing the established cut-off point of 2.50. The fourth finding shaded light on the perceivedpsychological effect of bullying adolescents. Bullying causes sadness (3.47) received the highest mean score of 3.41 above the established cut-off point of 2.50, signaling unanimous agreement among respondents. The fifth finding highlights the respondents' perceptions regarding the social effect of bullying on adolescents. Bullying causes trouble trusting others had the highest meanscore of 3.45 above the established cut-off point of 2.50, signaling unanimous agreement amongrespondents. It was then concluded that bullying among adolescents is a prevalent issuewithsignificant psychological and social repercussions. The findings underscore the need for targetedinterventions to address aggressive behaviors and support victims. Ultimately, fosteringasaferschool environment is essential for the well-being of all students. The study recommendedthat Schools should implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies, create safe spaces for student expression, offer counseling services for victims, and provide targeted interventions for studentswith aggressive personality traits.