Seasoned actor fights bullying in schools
Actor Kagiso Modupe educates learners about bullying through his latest movie.
Kwa-Thema – Seasoned actor and TV presenter, Kagiso Modupe has waged war against bullying and teen depression in schools.
He recently took his film Thando to Phulong Secondary School to let the learners watch the movie.
The movie was released in April and tackles issues which include teenage pregnancy, abortion, bullying, cyberbullying, colourism and teen suicide.
Modupe explained that of all the schools in the area invited to watch the movie, Phulong was the only one whose learners couldn’t afford to watch the movie in theatres.
“Having grown up in the area, I wanted all the learners from different schools to watch the movie.
“Unfortunately they just couldn’t afford it. I understood because many are from very poor backgrounds and going to the cinema is not a priority when you don’t have food,” he added.
Also read: Bullying: What parents should know
He added that as a qualified family psychologist and someone who understands teenage depression, his wish is for all learners, especially teenagers, to watch the movie.
“Young people are going through a lot. It is heart-breaking to hear and read about a teenager who took their life because of bullying in school.
“I want these people to watch the movie and reflect on how bullying affects one’s life and the consequences of their actions,” he added.
He said that teenagers who commit suicide are often labelled as weak.
“This is not always the case. At the time that they finally decide to take their life, they have gone through a lot and the recent events were just a trigger.
“I feel that as adults we only pay attention to the last event that drove them to the final taking their life and not the series of events,” he explained.
Also read: Bullying in SA schools: What all parents need to know
Modupe feels adults are not doing enough to help teenagers to fight bullying and other social ills.
He encouraged parents and caregivers to get to know their children better and know when they are going through a challenging phase in their life.
The movie is currently out of cinema circulation but is showing at Box Office.
The initiative was made possible by the Gauteng Film Commission.
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