Why We Need an Anti-Bullying and Adverse Childhood Experiences Law in Nigeria

By Favour Henshaw

Bullying, a prevalent issue in Nigeria, affects individuals in schools, workplaces, and online platforms.

Recent research has illuminated a significant connection between childhood adversity, measured by the Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) framework, and the perpetration and experience of bullying.

is connection is crucial for understanding and addressing the long-term impacts of early-life adversities on well-being.

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In 2020, a comprehensive study was conducted in 10 junior secondary schools in Abuja to address the issues of bullying and adverse childhood experiences (ACE). The findings were alarming: 2 out of every 5 students reported being bullied by their classmates or senior schoolmates, with boarding schools exhibiting the highest levels of bullying due to the confinement of victims with their perpetrators.

The motivations behind bullying behavior are multifaceted, including desires for power, control, retaliation, and the perpetrators’ own psychological distress or trauma. The study revealed that many bullies have themselves undergone adverse childhood experiences, perpetuating a cycle of trauma and aggression. Conversely, children who have faced significant adversity are often involved in bullying dynamics, either as perpetrators or victims.

The research categorized students into various groups based on their backgrounds:

Groups A & C: Students from dysfunctional homes who experienced neglect and emotional sensitivity, making them prime targets for bullies.
Group B: Students who faced neglect and abuse, displaying aggressive and violent tendencies.
Group D: Students who received love and care but struggled with temper issues and aggression.
Group E: Neutral and indecisive students who also fell victim to bullies.

Victims of bullying often experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, while bullies grapple with guilt, shame, and continued aggression. This cycle of trauma and aggression leads to further adverse outcomes, affecting the mental health and social well-being of all involved.

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Addressing the interplay between bullying and adverse childhood experiences requires a comprehensive legal response. Legal frameworks, such as the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 in the Philippines, play a pivotal role in safeguarding and supporting victims. This includes civil remedies, school interventions, and criminal prosecutions in severe cases.

Effective intervention requires a trauma-informed approach that acknowledges the psychological wounds of both bullies and victims. Mental health professionals are crucial in ensuring that trauma-informed therapy heals the effects of both bullying and ACEs. From a legal perspective, interventions should focus on early detection, prevention, and rehabilitation through comprehensive anti-bullying programs. Restorative justice practices can promote accountability and healing for all parties involved.

The United Women Voice International Foundation, an NGO dedicated to advocacy, awareness, and empowerment, is committed to raising awareness about bullying and ACEs. The foundation aims to foster empathy, understanding, positive social norms, and a culture of respect and conflict resolution in schools and communities. By doing so, it hopes to reduce the prevalence of bullying and its long-term impacts on individuals and society.

For Partnership / Sponsorship
Contact United Women Voice Int’l Foundation
Phone: 09098585968 / 09070147365
Facebook: United Women Voice Int’l Foundation
Instagram: @unitedwomenvoices