IN an effort to combat the recent rise in bullying and raise awareness, the Brighton Beach Victim Friendly Centre has been conducting anti-bullying talks at schools. Led by chairperson Chantal Bransgrove-Bower, the campaign has already reached learners at Brighton Beach, Glenardle, Bushlands and Our Lady of Natal, with more schools lined up.

Also read: Anti-bullying campaign kicks off on The Bluff

The project in partnership with the South African Police Service, tackles the social and traumatic aspects of bullying, as well as its criminality.

Bransgrove-Bower said during these talks, learners are given a greater understanding of bullying, what it is, what forms it takes and how to help someone who is being bullied. “We remind children that they can make all the difference by moving from a bystander to an upstander, when they see something, they must say something and be a buddy not a bully,” she said.

With bullying incidents frequently surfacing in the media, the talks emphasise the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for all children. “We have had so many children coming in who are being bullied, and with all the videos in the media, we need to remind children, as well as parents, that bullying cannot be accepted. We must protect our children,” said Bransgrove-Bower.

Signs a child may be a victim of bullying:

• Avoiding school or staying away from school with invented illnesses.
• Unexplained injuries or welts.
• Losing friends or becoming isolated.
• Frequent fights.
• Falling grades.
• Low self-esteem and unhappiness

When is bullying a crime?

• Harassment – Like messages on social media or texts.
• Threats – With words, gestures or actions to frighten.
• Vandalism or theft of property.
• Sexual harassment or assault.
• Physical assault – Punching, slapping or hitting with a weapon.

How to stand up to bullying

• Be kind and caring
• Help and support victims
• Be a friend, not a bully
• Stand up – Report bullying to a teacher, parent, or SAPS
• Be an upstander, not a bystander

Need help? Reach out!

• Childline – 116
• Crime stop – 10111
• CIPLA WhatsApp chatline – 076 882 2775
• TEARS free SMS helpline – 1347355
• Human trafficking helpline- 08000 737 283 / 082 455 3664

Brighton Beach Victim Friendly Centre aims to have safer schools where children are empowered to resist bullying.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.