“Schools must be crime-free zones and safe spaces for learning, not war zones.”

This statement from Brakpan SAPS social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi follows observations by local police that a number of promising young individuals are seeing their futures compromised.

“The SAPS’ primary job is to protect communities, and also to protect the future of learners,” said Buthelezi.

“Brakpan SAPS is noticing too many young, bright lives taken off track by bad choices, bad company, and a lack of information.”

She shared that bullying, drugs, sexual offences and social media platforms are four “hidden traps” that can ruin young lives.

• Bullying
“It is not a joke. It is a crime. Many people think pushing someone around, spreading rumours, or calling them names is just “schoolyard fun.” It is not,” said Buthelezi.

“Bullying causes deep psychological harm, leads to depression, and has even caused young people in our communities to commit suicide.”

She added that there are also legal consequences.

“Depending on what you do, bullying is a criminal offence. If you beat someone up, that is assault. If you humiliate or insult someone’s dignity, you can be charged with crimen injuria. If you destroy their reputation, it is criminal defamation,” said Buthelezi.

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“You can end up with a criminal record before you even finish matric. A criminal record means you can not become a lawyer, a doctor, a police officer, or travel overseas.”

She advised victims of bullying to not fight back with violence.

“Report it immediately to a teacher, a parent, or a school safety committee member,” she said.

• Drugs and substance abuse
“Whether it is dagga, hooka pipes, vaping, ecstasy, or crystal meth (tik). Drug dealers are liars. They will tell you that drugs make you cool, focus better, or forget your problems,” said Buthelezi.

“The reality is drugs destroy your brain, steal your money, and turn you into a thief to fund the habit.”

With regards to the law, dealing, possessing, or using illegal substances will result in arrest.

“The SAPS conducts random search-and-seizure operations at schools. If we find drugs or dangerous weapons in your schoolbag or on your person, you will be arrested. Your education stops, and your time in a prison cell begins,” said Buthelezi.

• Sexual offences
“A massive issue we face is the lack of understanding around consent and sexual misconduct,” explained Buthelezi.

“Your body belongs to you, and everyone else’s body belongs to them. Touching someone inappropriately, pulling their clothes, or forcing them into any sexual act is a sexual offence.”

Buthelezi added that SAPS maintains a zero-tolerance approach to sexual violence and abuse.

“If you are a victim of inappropriate touching or abuse, whether by a peer or an adult, you must report it. You can speak directly to us, your parents, or use the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Do not suffer in silence,” she added.

• Social media
Buthelezi stated that technology is great, but apps like TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook have become dangerous hunting grounds.

She highlighted the dangers of cyberbullying, stranger danger/ human trafficking, and sexting. Cyberbullying: Sending threatening texts, sharing embarrassing photos, or creating hate groups online is cyberbullying.

“Just because it happens behind a screen does not mean it is hidden. Online messages leave a digital footprint that can be captured and used as evidence in court,” said Buthelezi.

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Stranger danger/ human trafficking: SAPS records show that a frightening amount of human trafficking starts on social media.

“When you accept friend requests from strangers or chat with people you don’t know, you are opening the door to predators. They use fake profiles, pretend to be teenagers, offer you gifts or job opportunities, and lure you into dangerous situations,” said Buthelezi.

Sexting: Sending naked pictures of yourself or asking others to send naked images of themselves is illegal and highly dangerous.

“Once you hit send, you lose control of that image forever. It can be used to blackmail you or shared with the whole school,” said Buthelezi.

She provided the following tips for those who find themselves targeted online:

Do not respond. Your reaction gives the bully or predator power. Take screenshots. Save the evidence immediately before they delete it.

Block them. Use the privacy tools on the app to cut them off. Tell an adult. Report the behaviour to your parents, teachers, or the police.

“Your future is in your hands. Learners are reminded that the choices they make today will decide the life they live tomorrow,” said Buthelezi.

“Do not let a few minutes of trying to look tough or cool destroy your entire life. Choose your friends wisely. Focus on your books, respect your teachers, and look out for one another.

“If you see a crime, see someone selling drugs, or see someone being abused, speak up. You can call the SAPS Crime Stop helpline on 10111 or talk to your school’s safety representatives.

“The SAPS will continue with efforts to make schools safer places to build brilliant futures.”