Relationship between parenting styles and school bullying behaviour among adolescents

Abstract

In recent years, the pervasive issue of school bullying has surfaced as a focal point of concern, given its deep-seated implications on the mental and emotional well-being of adolescents. This paper seeks to unearth the complex relationship between parenting styles - classified as authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved - and the prevalence of bullying behaviours among adolescents in school environments. Through a meticulous analysis of recent empirical studies, the paper highlights the significant influence parenting styles exert on a child’s developmental trajectory, molding their attitudes, behaviours, and peer interactions. Particularly, the study underscores the role of authoritative parenting as a protective factor against bullying, fostering resilience and positive peer relations. In contrast, authoritarian and uninvolved parenting styles may potentially fuel bullying tendencies due to the absence of warmth and the establishment of rigid rules and severe punishments. The paper further identifies a notable gap in current research, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive studies that integrate cultural nuances to develop culturally sensitive intervention strategies. In aiming to pave the way for safer and more nurturing school environments, this research illuminates the potential strategies through parental interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of bullying, promoting positive child and adolescent development globally.