Despite widespread awareness, bullying continues to rise in schools with many incidents caught on camera and shared on social media.
The KwaZulu- Natal (KZN) Department of Education has launched an investigation after a video went viral on social media of a bullying incident involving students.
This incident occurred in Thabela High School in Botha’s Hill, Durban.
The video shows the victim being beaten by three other pupils in the classroom, demanding the money the victim had allegedly borrowed.
One attacker repeatedly asked, “When are you paying back my money?, I want my money back,” as they continued to assault the victim.
The department condemned this behaviour, affirming its commitment to maintaining respect and safety in educational environments.
“We prioritise the well-being of all learners and are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and conducive learning environment,” it said.
“We take incidents of bullying extremely seriously, and swift action has been initiated to address the situation.”
Bullying can have far-reaching consequences on a person’s life, affecting their academic performance, social relationships, mental and emotional well-being, and physical health.
Academically, bullying can lead to decreased motivation, focus, and a fear of success, resulting in poor performance and a dread of attending school.
In response to the video, the department said it sent a task team to the school to investigate the incident and provide psychological support to those affected.
“We urge all learners, parents, educators, and community members to work together in cultivating a culture of mutual respect and zero tolerance towards bullying in our schools,” it said.
The department emphasised that bullying disrupts education and harms the emotional and psychological well-being of students and said it planned to enhance its anti-bullying awareness programmes across schools to prevent future incidents.
The KZN MEC for education, Sipho Hlomuka called for collective action to ensure schools remain safe spaces for learning, free from intimidation.
“Let us work together to ensure that our schools remain safe havens for education, free from intimidation and harm,” said Hlomuka.
October is National Bullying Awareness Month and it is important to pay attention to our friends, family and loved ones who may be too afraid to speak out. Bullied students often experience isolation, exclusion, and social awkwardness, struggling to form and maintain relationships due to low self-esteem and anxiety.
Mentally and emotionally, bullying can trigger anxiety, depression, and self-confidence issues, while also impacting physical health through stress-related illnesses like stomach-aches, headaches and sleep disturbances.
* No To Bullying is an IOL initiative. If you feel like you are being bullied or know of someone being bullied, reach out to:
- Childline — 116
- Stop Gender Violence — 0800 150 150
- South African Depression and Anxiety Group — 0800 567 567
- Sonke Gender Justice — 0861 322 322
- Legal Aid — 011 877 2000
- South African Federation for Mental Health — 011 781 1852
IOL News