Two Hendrik Verwoerd High School pupils suspended

The two pupils who were involved in school violence last Friday at Hendrik Verwoerd High School have been suspended.

Gershwin Chuenyane, spokesperson for the Department of Education, said that two Grade 10 pupils were involved in a fight during school hours. “Bystanders tried to separate them and one of the pupils was kicked in the head. He was taken to the hospital but discharged on the same day.”

He said the parents were called in and the matter is being dealt with in accordance with the school’s disciplinary code.

Chuenyane said the department strongly condemns any form of violence including bullying, physical and sexual assault and corporal punishment.

Doctor Pixie du Toit, a forensic criminologist and former head of the Sinoville crisis centre gave an expert view on how parents could help their children who are bullied as well as how the victims can deal with the situation.

“Parents should bring it as soon as possible to the attention of the school seeing as schools should have anti-bullying policies in place. Through implementing these policies, children are able to learn how they should react in this difficult situation and to know when they are being bullied. It does not help to fight bullying behaviour with bullying behaviour. Victims should stand their ground and not attempt to run away or to fight back,” Du Toit said.

She said parents should be responsible when they have weapons on their property to ensure that all weapons are placed out of the reach of children. According to Du Toit children are not mature enough to fully comprehend the effects their actions might have therefor parents should take the necessary steps to prevent their children from getting hold of the weapons.

She said some bullies might use weapons to exert more power on his fellow pupils, which in turn forces the victims to also take weapons to school in an attempt to protect themselves.