Parents protest outside school after learner assault
“We are here to break the cycle by raising awareness of the heinous results of bullying at any level, both in the lives of the children who commit these acts and those who survive the abuse,” said the victim’s family’s spokesperson, Amo Mokoape.
An anti-bullying protest took place outside The Glen high school on Tuesday after a learner from the school allegedly assaulted a Grade 7 Glenstantia primary school learner, reportedly for the second time.
CCTV video footage seen by Rekord shows the primary schoolboy being thrown to the floor and being hit and kicked by one of the high school learners.
Three learners walked up to the Grade 7 learner, but only one of them attacked the boy.
The victim’s parents handed over a memorandum to the school’s principal, saying disciplinary action should be taken against the three learners.
“We are here to break the cycle by raising awareness of the heinous results of bullying at any level, both in the lives of the children who commit these acts and those who survive the abuse,” said the victim’s family’s spokesperson, Amo Mokoape.
The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed the incident.
Speaking to Rekord, the department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona said the group of parents that protested at The Glen high school earlier today demanded the immediate expulsion of the learner who allegedly assaulted the learner.
“The Glen is currently following due processes as per the school code of conduct and hearings were held on May 30 [Monday]. All due processes will be followed accordingly,” he said.
The alleged bullying incident took place on Monday, May 16 at Glenstantia primary school.
“We want The Glen high school to implement a zero-tolerance policy towards all violence and bullying,” said Mokoape.
“As it stands, the young boy had to seek therapy to overcome this traumatic experience,” she said.
Danie van Loggerenberg, of the Child Protection Hotline, said bullying continued to be a major problem and in the worst scenarios leads to suicide.
“As National Child Protection Week is commemorated, we are reminded that protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value, but also an obligation,” he said.
Van Loggerenberg said that the hotline has been working with children for 12 years and the increase in bullying cases, cases of abuse, suicides, etc.
“We urgently need all parents, teachers and community members to assist us in stopping the attacks on our children. Today’s children become the parents of tomorrow – and the future looks bleak,” he said.
Watch the protest video here:
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