Background <p>Suicide among adolescents has emerged as an important public health concern in Nigeria, driven by social and psychological factors. Prior research suggests associations between toxic parenting, social media exposure, and adolescent mental health challenges and suicidal ideation among young people. However, there is limited qualitative research exploring the lived experiences of adolescents navigating these challenges within the Nigerian context.</p> Objective <p>This study explores adolescents’ perceptions of toxic parenting and social media use in relation to emotional well-being, identity formation, and suicidal ideation in Nigeria.</p> Methods <p>A qualitative approach was adopted using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 24 purposively selected participants. The sample included 16 students aged 14–16 from both public and private secondary schools, 5 teachers, and 3 school counsellors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather detailed narratives on participants’ experiences and perceptions. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.</p> Results <p>Three major themes emerged: (1) Strict Parents, characterized by verbal abuse, maltreatment by guardians, academic coercion, and constant comparison; (2) Uninvolved Parents, marked by emotional neglect, physical absence, and limited support for school disciplinary structures; and (3) Identity Crisis, including peer pressure, cultural conflict, social media comparison, and low self-esteem. These themes reflected the ways familial dysfunction and online influences were experienced by adolescents in relation to emotional vulnerability.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings highlight adolescents’ perceptions of how toxic parenting and social media use are associated with emotional distress and identity struggles. These insights underscore the importance of further research into family dynamics and digital influences on adolescent mental health within the Nigerian context.</p>