Cyber bullying takes toll on Midrand school
MIDRAND - A high school pupil alleged that a group of children from the school have been victims of Internet-bullying. The bullying incidents began in 2011 on Facebook, by someone calling themselves the "Truth Teller".
“It becomes difficult to be at school while someone writes your personal stuff on Facebok for everyone to read. This person (has) targeted the current group of (the) Midrand High School matric group since then.
“The bullying has been on and off. The person started insulting people and revealing secrets on Facebook. This has not stopped but the posts have become less dramatic this year, the ‘Truth Teller’s’ Facebook account is deactivated at times, then comes back with new revelations,” said the pupil, who did not want to be named.
Another learner said at one time they reported the matter to a teacher at the school. “The teacher told us that there was nothing they could do about the cyber-bullying, it is out of their control. We do not know the identity of the person but it is someone who seems to know a lot of us quite well.”
The school referred comment to the Gauteng Department of Education, and spokesperson Gershwin Chuenyane said, “The department views any form of bullying in a serious light and will investigate the matter.
“The school has a policy preventing learners from bringing cellphones to school. This is an effort to deny learners of an opportunity to engage in activities such as cyber-bullying. The school has posters warning learners about the dangers of cyber-bullying and this is repeated during assembly.”
A contact from the school, who has asked to remain anonymous, said he is only aware of an incident involving a former pupil who left the school after falling pregnant. “Unfortunately, children would tease and bully anyone who shows any weakness or stands apart because of a particular incident. As far as the school is concerned, cellphones and social media are not allowed during school hours.
“The use of computers is strictly for research and learning. I am aware of the Facebook page that is leaking personal information about the learners. If cyber-bullying is taking place, the perpetrators are doing so outside school hours. The school once brought people to do a workshop about the dangers of bullying and pornography. We are doing all we can to encourage learners to chose to show each other respect and not bully each other.”
