The Impact of Parental Monitoring on Exposure to Multiple Substances and Bullying in Croatian Students

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical period for experimenting with a wide range of risky behaviors, which are often influenced by family dynamics, including parental monitoring. This study aims to analyze the patterns of exposure to multiple substances and bullying among Croatian students by age and gender in 2022 and examine the association of exposure to multiple substances and bullying with maternal and paternal monitoring. Methods: The data were obtained from the 2022 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in Croatia among students aged 11, 13, and 15. Two multinomial logistic regressions were performed separately by age and gender. Results: Exposure to multiple instances of bullying is more common among boys than girls in all three age groups, while exposure to multiple substances varies depending on age. The analysis revealed the strong protective effect of maternal monitoring against both substance use and bullying. Paternal monitoring showed less consistent effects but still indicated that lower paternal monitoring was associated with higher exposure to multiple substances and bullying, particularly at age 13. Conclusions: The patterns of multiple substance use and bullying vary by gender and age, emphasizing the need for tailored intervention strategies. Programs that strengthen parental monitoring, particularly maternal monitoring, should be prioritized.