Anti Bullying

This is where the problem begins; however, there is no need for conflict at school.

Bullying in schools should be addressed as a community effort, and the SAPS is also focused on preventing this social ill. Concerns were raised recently about the prevalence of bullying in schools. SAPS officers visited Hawk Academy on April 22 to educate learners on bullying to promote a safer learning environment.
SAPS communications officer Sgt Styles Maome was accompanied by City of Ekurhuleni social worker Xolani Mthiyane, Youth Desk member Siyathandaza Socishe, Ekupoleni Victim Empowerment Centre (VEC) social worker Matilda Lesufi and Ekupoleni VEC volunteers Granny Ramorulane and Sibongile Daba. The officials visited the senior grades to share more information about bullying.

Maome spoke about how bullying promotes crime. “I found one learner begging at the traffic lights, and I asked him why he was there. “The learner said they were threatened to bring money to school the next day or else they would be in trouble.” Maome explained a child in that position can even resort to stealing just to make sure they are not bullied at school, which is wrong. He warned the learners not to bully each other.

Causes

Mthiyane had an interactive talk where he asked the learners what they thought the causes of bullying were. A Grade 10 learner cited jealousy as a cause, while another attributed bullying as a show of strength. Mthiyane said that normally, the back-seaters do not get along with the learners who sit in the front of the classroom.

“This is where the problem begins; however, there is no need for conflict at school. “You all are here to learn and eventually become successful in life. “Don’t let bullying turn you into somebody you are not.” He urged learners to report bullying. Lesufi said she noticed a lot of bullying was connected to domestic violence at home. “These children are just repeating behaviour they have seen at home.” Grade 11 learner Amanda Macuiane said bullying affects a learner’s concentration and self-worth. “Those who are considering harming themselves must talk to someone they trust,” said the learner. Maome added learners should not wait for bullying to turn physical. “Bullying can come in the form of a threat, so you have to tell your teachers about it so they can call the social workers.”

School learners have their say about bullying

Bullying can make school a difficult place to be for victims. Some learners go to the extent of contemplating suicide. In light of the national impact of bullying, Hawk Academy learners were asked what they would say to another learner who contemplates suicide due to bullying.