Local organisation raises awareness of bullying at schools
The aim is to teach the children about their rights and where to report crime from an early age.
Vhathu Phanda community forum members visited Balebogeng primary school last Friday to raise the awareness of bullying that learners and parents must look out for.
The forum joined forces with the Mamelodi police and other stakeholders to commemorate the Child Protection Month school safety programme.
Thabo Moshebelo chairperson of the forum said the forum hosted the anti-bullying parade at the school with the view is to highlight all forms of bullying including physical, verbal, social and cyberbullying by developing school cultures that are inclusive and promote positivity and healthy social relationships.
He said they also ensured everyone understood their rights and responsibilities.
They also addressed drug abuse and gender-based violence.
“We have partnered with various stakeholders to raise the awareness of the need to protect children against abuse, exploitation, neglect and all forms of violence.”
He said research shows that bullying is a public health issue that negatively impacts those affected.
He said the forum sought to turn bullies into ambassadors for cohesion at schools.
He said thus far they have visited more than 10 primary schools and planned on visiting all schools in Mamelodi, including the secondary schools.
“It is important to highlight bullying as a public health problem to keep children safe and that the only way to eliminate bullying is through a coordinated public health approach that is to connect with strong partners in the community who know how to recognise, intervene, and prevent bullying from occurring in the future,” he said.
“The forum is committed to the course of ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse and that all members of the school community – board of directors, school leaders, teachers, staff, students, parents and their families – should understand what bullying is and know what to do when should it occur.”
Learners said bullying could present as poking fun at other learners, taking their food, assaulting them or bringing dangerous weapons to school.
Mamelodi West police sector manager Warrant Officer Mike Ngethu said bullying, drugs and dangerous weapons were not allowed on school premises.
“Learners should inform their teacher of bullying at school and the teachers the police,” said Ngethu.
Ngethu said other issues also touched on included human trafficking and not talking to strangers especially those loitering around the premises after school.
ALSO READ: Searching for SA’s new artistic talent
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
