Peer Influence as a Social Mechanism for Fostering Positive Behaviour Against Bullying Tendencies Among Students in Basic Education, Delta State

Abstract

This study explored the impact of peer influence as a social mechanism for fostering positive behaviour against bullying tendencies among students in Upper Basic Education, Delta state. Two research questions were answered and two hypotheses tested. The study employed ex post facto, descriptive and correlational research. 40,204 students in Upper Basic II Education in Delta State constitute the population of the study. 380 students were sampled for the study. Two instruments were used for data collection titled: Peer Influence Scale and Bullying Behaviour Scale. The collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics (Mean and Standard Deviation), Multiple Correlation and Multiple Regression Statistics. The study revealed that on the basis of components of peer influence, yielding to Peer Pressure significantly increase bullying among the students while resistant to peer pressure and peer encouragement can mitigate bullying behaviour problem. The findings also show a significant difference in bullying tendencies between male and female students, with female students exhibiting higher bullying behaviours compared to their male counterparts. The study concludes that resistant to peer pressure and peer encouragement can mitigate bullying behaviour problem. The study advocate for development of social resistance skills, since encouraging young adolescents to build resistance to negative peer pressure is essential for their personal and social development. Programmes that enhance decision-making, assertiveness, and self-confidence will equip young people to make independent and positive choices.