The association between neighborhood safety, parenting, and victimization

Scholars across multiple disciplines have identified peer victimization is a critical area of research. The current study investigates how parental overprotection is linked to victimization, moderated by the perception of neighborhood safety. Bronfenbrenner's socio-ecological model provides a theoretical framework, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual, family, school, and neighborhood influences. Although many researchers have focused on individual characteristics and micro-level factors like parenting and school environment, the exosystem—specifically neighborhood dynamics—has been understudied. We hypothesize that overprotective parenting may increase the likelihood of victimization, with stronger effects in neighborhoods perceived as unsafe. Additionally, we posit that perceived neighborhood safety may have a greater impact than, for example, crime in the neighborhood. Data will be collected from elementary and secondary school students in northern Germany, with a sample size of 119. Findings from this research will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how ecological factors, such as neighborhood safety, shape bullying dynamics, offering insights for more comprehensive intervention strategies.