St Stithians College has issued a statement confirming it is investigating an alleged bullying incident at the school that has recently been reported in the media.
The college said the matter has not yet been concluded.

The mother of the girl spoke publicly about her frustration with how the school handled the alleged bullying incident that left her seven-year-old daughter with possible hearing damage.

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The mother, identified only as Thandi to protect her child’s identity, told a media outlet that her daughter, a Grade 1 learner at the school, had endured several incidents of bullying before the most serious one occurred earlier this month.

Thandi said a boy in her daughter’s class allegedly pushed pencil shavings into the girl’s ears and threatened to insert a pencil if she reported it. The child was later taken to a doctor, who reportedly found pencil shavings lodged in both ears.

“She came home crying and in pain. When the doctor checked her, he found pencil shavings deep inside both ears. I was shocked and heartbroken,” she said.

Experts said incidents such as this highlight the importance of early intervention and nurturing care. Mari Payne, deputy managing director and senior director of Education and Programmes at Sesame Workshop International, South Africa, said,
“Research and teacher testimony show that bullying, rejection, and physical aggression are present even among very young children. These behaviours disrupt learning and can leave lasting emotional scars,” Payne said. Academic research confirms that bullying can begin as early as preschool, with peer victimisation observed in children as young as four.

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Payne emphasised that positive, nurturing parenting can help prevent bullying and heal children who have experienced it.

The school has confirmed it is aware of the allegations and that an internal investigation is underway. “St Stithians College takes any report of bullying very seriously and has strong safeguarding and anti-bullying policies in place,” the school said in a statement.

Several media outlets have reported that the alleged perpetrator was given a one-day suspension and required to attend play therapy. This disciplinary action has drawn criticism from some parents, who feel the punishment is too lenient.

Thandi has since withdrawn her daughter from the school, saying she no longer felt it was a safe environment. “She is traumatised. I had to move her to another school so she can heal and feel safe again,” she said.

Further questions regarding the alleged incident were sent to the school, but they have not replied amid ongoing investigations. Their response will be published once made available.

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