How bullying distorts children’s mental wellbeing

In recent time, the instances of bullying in Nigeria schools across the country are continually gaining pace to the detriment of the health, social and educational well-being of school children.
To this effect, the issue has gradually been gaining attention of experts and media focus.
Experts generally agree that bullying is a major public health problem that increases the risk of poor health, social and educational outcomes in childhood and adolescence.
Unfortunately, bullying and sexual harassment of students in Nigeria education scene is gradually becoming an everyday occurrence.
In November 2021, Sylvester Oromoni was reported dead after sustaining multiple injuries from fellow students that bullied him at Dowen College in Lekki-Lagos.
Similarly in June 2021, Nigerian media was filled with the sad news of the death of Happuch Aondodoo Akpagher, a 14 year old student of Premiere Academy in Lugbe-Abuja who was sexually assaulted and later gave up the ghost as a result of complications.
In December 2020, Don Davis, 11 year old boy at Deeper Life High School in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State was reported to have been physically and sexually molested by his seniors in school.
And recently in September 2023, Precious Olajumoke Fadipe-Adeoti’s name was reported to have been registered on a case of harassment that actually started from July.
A source close to the family revealed that her harassment as a young one stem out of threats also metted out on her family.
While her mother was lucky to have escaped for her dear life, Precious has continued to be a subject of harassment which many say if not nipped in the bud may lead to loss of life just like many other cases.
A particular instance according to the source was said to have been very critical in her life, such that the girl had to seek refuge in church for some days.
The stories of bullying and assaults were registered in Chrisland School in Lagos; Ganmo Arabic School in Kwara, and Hassan Gwarzo Secondary School in Kano, among others.

While many of those perpetrators are known to the community, it is sad that law enforcement agencies remain culpable and somehow helpless, thereby making civil societies to call for self help.
Experts believe that students who are bullied show less academic improvement due to a fear of standing out. As a result, teachers often identify those students as low achievers or unmotivated learners.
These students may then receive less attention from teachers which only pushes them further down the academic rankings in their school.
According to the Michigan Association of School Administrators, the effects of bullying extend far beyond the academic scope.
Students who are repeatedly bullied may experience physical symptoms like stomach pains, headaches, and trouble sleeping.
Bullying behaviour is a grave issue among school-age children and adolescents; it has short and long-term effects on the person who is bullied, a mental health practitioner with Nightingale, Bulky Hassan explained.
By: Moyo Usman