Bullying in school under control
MIDRAND - Midrand Police took some time to educate the pupils of Midrand High School about bullying.
The police made their presentation on 24 October at the school.
They invited Nicola Arend, a professional psychologist, who is also a co-ordinator for victim empowerment at the station, to give an anti-bullying talk to the pupils.
About 500 pupils were addressed at the school’s assembly.
“Safety tips, types of bullying and the techniques to use on how to avoid bullies were taught to them,” said Constable Nanty Belebesi, social crime prevention co-ordinator at the station.
Pupils were further informed about the free counselling session that takes place at Midrand Police Station six days a week, Monday to Saturday.
“This is to aid pupils should they experience problems at home or at school. Sometimes they may just want to talk to professional people,” said Arend.
Sergeant Benji Nkatingi, the sector manager of the area, was among the team and pleaded with the pupils to engage themselves in sport activities as an alternative to criminal activities.
Belebesi also informed the pupils that bullying, drugs and theft in schools are disturbances which make a school less secure.
“They create an unhealthy environment for pupils and educators,” she said.
The deputy principal Emmanuel Ramathavha commented on behalf of the school, “The speaker was knowledgeable and the pupils were attentive.”
“It’s hard to tell if they took the talk seriously, but they definitely gained invaluable knowledge that will enable them to report bullying should they encounter it.”
