How bullying affects children’s mental state and cognitive development
It is important for parents to be able to spot all signs that their child might be experiencing be exposed to a form of bullying.
Bullying is a devastating social ill that is unfortunately extremely rife in South Africa. The age of the internet and explosion of social media has not made it easy on younger and school-going learners, who often feel isolated and unheard, or victimised online.
In the last month two school-going pupils in the Western Cape tragically took their own life, with experts saying that one of the reasons this happens may be due to bullying which could lead to depression. Furthermore, the death of Limpopo teenager, Lufuno Mavhungu, has put a spotlight on how rife bullying is online and in South African schools, and the long-term effects it can have on students who fall victim to bullying – which include depression and anxiety. It is therefore important for parents to be able to spot all signs that their child might be experiencing be exposed to a form of bullying.
Dr Iqbal Karbanee, specialist pediatrician and CEO of Paed-IQ BabyLine believes it is important that parents are educated on the importance of protecting children but also to understand the socio-psychological effects bullying has on children.
