VANDERBIJLPARK. – Pinedene Primary School has embarked on an anti-bullying campaign.

The Physical Education teacher, Imke Barnardo, said she worked on a multi-media interactive approach in teaching the learners more about bullying.

The campaign kicked off in the beginning of June with presentations to all the senior phase classes.

Imke built her presentation around a song by Matthew West called Do Something** and a verse from the Bible.  

Proverbs 26:18 -19 (ESV): “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbour and says, “I am only joking!”

The learners are taught that there is no excuse for bullying and that “it was just a joke” can leave lasting emotional scars on bullying victims.

After discussing the various types of bullying, including cyber bullying, Imke gives the learners pointers as to what they can do to stop and prevent bullying.

Each child received a pamphlet with a summary of the presentation and a declaration to fight bullying.

“I’ve told the learners, that the principal, Mrs. Du Pont and I have declared war on bullying, but that we require troops to help us.

“After this the learners signed the declaration and made a commitment to help others and being kind to each other,” Imke said.

After she has spoken to the Grade 7’s, one of the prefects, Dintle Tsotsotso, made a poster against bullying, which she brought under Imke’s attention the next day.

“She clearly took the message to heart, and we were grateful for her assistance and proud of the initiative she had shown.

“We asked her to sign her poster and we had it copied and laminated. A copy of Dintle’s poster has been put up in every classroom in the school,” Imke said with pride.

The school will continue their campaign next week. This time focusing on the juniors.

Imke said the school aims to implement the Heroes Anonymous Mobile Application* soon.

*“HEROES ANONYMOUS is a JO BLACK/ BE THAT GUY initiative, which aims to stomp out negative behavioural issues in schools nationwide.

“These issues include bullying (in all its forms), abuse, violence, weapons, drugs and alcohol.” – bethatguy.co.za.

**Link to the video of Do Something: https://youtu.be/b_RjndG0IX8