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BULLYING AS CORRELATES OF STUDENT’S ACADEMICS PERFORMANCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. Background of the study

 

Bullying has become a common issue, yet it remains poorly understood. Ainley (2018) points out that it often goes unreported because teachers and parents are unable to recognize the signs or know how to respond. The advent of information and communication technology (ICT) has introduced new dimensions to this phenomenon, leading to the identification of two distinct types of bullying: traditional face-to-face bullying and online harassment, also known as cyberbullying. According to a survey released by Save the Children in 2018, 52% of Spanish children and adolescents have experienced some form of physical abuse and/or humiliation, while only 7% have been victims of cyberbullying. These statistics highlight the widespread nature of the problem in Spain. Although all students are affected by this form of violence, the victims suffer the most, experiencing physical, mental, and relational trauma that can have long-term effects. One of the most notable outcomes, which receives little attention from researchers, is the decline in academic performance. Promoting academic excellence is crucial for enabling individuals to realize their potential within the school system and access opportunities in the labor market. Therefore, studying the connection between bullying and academic performance is of paramount importance.

In 2019, Amnesty International warned that thousands of bullying cases continued to go unreported, and the system was “turning a blind eye” to the issue (Olweus, 2019). The organization emphasized the importance of developing a meaningful reporting system and providing support to children and adolescents to prevent this widespread problem. However, achieving this goal requires first accurately diagnosing the issue and raising awareness among students, teachers, and parents about the importance of preventing and reporting such incidents. The impact of bullying on the social dimension can be demonstrated in several ways, including its effect on a person’s academic and professional potential. Our primary objective is to conduct a case study of the communities in Rivers State. This study will involve an in-depth analysis and diagnosis of the prevalence of bullying in this area to determine its effects on academic performance. Given that this phenomenon has been understudied in the Nigerian context, this will be our primary focus.

Amnesty International reiterated its warning in 2019 that thousands of bullying incidents remain unreported and the system continues to overlook the problem. The organization stressed the need not only to implement an effective reporting system but also to offer support to children and adolescents to prevent this pervasive issue (Juvonen, 2021). To achieve this goal, it is essential to properly diagnose the problem and increase awareness among students, teachers, and parents about the critical importance of preventing and reporting bullying incidents. The impact of this phenomenon on the social dimension can be illustrated in various ways, including its influence on an individual’s academic and professional potential. Considering the limited research conducted on this topic within the Nigerian context, our main objective is to examine the correlation between bullying and students’ academic performance in secondary schools.

 

1. 1. Statement of the problem

Bullying has repercussions not just for the victim but also for the bully, and these repercussions may be both immediate and long-term (Aleem, 2016). Peer victimization and bullying always have some kind of impact, either directly or indirectly, on the people who are victimized, and it may lead to poor academic achievement (Holt, Finkelhor, & Kantor, 2017). According to Nishina, Juvonen, and Witkow (2021), bullying, peer victimization, and school harassment have all led to a drop in classroom activities and school involvement, all of which tend to have a detrimental influence on academic performance and attainment. Students devote the majority of their waking hours at school on advancing their personal growth and professional potential (Darling-Hammond, Flook, Cook-Harvey, Barron, & Osher, 2019). Students who feel supported by their instructors have a greater feeling of belonging in the classroom, are more involved in their studies, have less behavioral issues, and overall do better academically. On the other hand, a student’s academic performance might be negatively impacted by unhealthier conditions in the school environment. The level of academic accomplishment achieved all over the globe is an important indicator of the quality of a student’s education, and several research are now being conducted on the potential physiological aspects that contribute to this indicator. Hence, this study will examine bullying as a correlates of students academics performance in secondary schools.

1. 1. Objective of the study

The primary objective of the study is to examine bullying as correlates of students academics performance in secondary schools. The, specific objectives is as follows:

1. To find out the causes of bullying among secondary school students.
2. To investigate the forms of bullying which significantly affects secondary school students.
3. To examine the implications of bullying on the academic performance of secondary school students.

1. 1. Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

1. What are the causes of bullying among secondary school students?
2. What are the forms of bullying which significantly affects secondary school students?
3. What are the implications of bullying on the academic performance of secondary school students?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho: There is no significant correlation between bullying and the academic performance of secondary school students.

Ha: There is a significant correlation between bullying and the academic performance of secondary school students.

1.6 Significance of the study

The study will be significant to both parents and the school management as they will be expose to the harm bullying can cause to a student and how it can ruin the school experience of a student. The study will be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of this study borders on bullying as correlates of students academics performance in secondary schools. Empirically, the study will explore the causes of bullying among secondary school students, the forms of bullying which significantly affects secondary school students, and the implications of bullying on the academic performance of secondary school students.