Addressing the Bullying Crisis in Schools: Through A Multi-Stakeholder Approach

In a recent discussion about the critical issue of bullying in schools, experts from various sectors came together to share insights and solutions. The panel included the spokesperson Bronagh Hammond from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), Attorney Pila-sande Mkuzo from the Equal Education Law Center, and Sadia Southgate, registered counsellor with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and founder of Authentically Anchored

The Current State of Bullying 

The WCED said they had 11 officially documented reported cases this year, though experts agree this number likely understates the true extent of the problem. According to recent statistics, approximately 58% of primary school learners are impacted by bullying. Many cases go unreported due to fear of repercussions or lack of trust in the reporting system.

Forms of Bullying and Their Impact

Modern bullying has evolved beyond traditional physical confrontations. It now includes:

Social exclusion

Verbal harassment

Cyberbullying through social media

Physical assault

Distribution of harmful content online

Sadia Southgate highlighted that children as young as 8-10 years old are now reporting anxiety and depression related to bullying.

The psychological impact often manifests in:

Decreased self-esteem

Depression and anxiety

Social withdrawal

Academic struggles

In severe cases, suicidal thoughts

Available Resources and Support Systems that the WCED highlighted are:

A confidential hotline (0800454647) for reporting incidents

Counselling services with psychologists and social workers

Behavioural support centres for rehabilitation

Anti-bullying programs and initiatives

 

Challenges in Addressing Bullying, several key challenges were identified:

Under-reporting of incidents

Limited access to counsellors in township and rural schools

Overcrowded classrooms

Social media amplifying the impact of bullying

Lack of parental involvement in some cases

Secondary victimization when reporting incidents

 

Recommended Solutions, the experts proposed a multi-faceted approach:

School-Level Interventions

Implementing clear anti-bullying policies

Training educators in managing misbehaviour

Creating safe reporting mechanisms

Displaying contact information for support services

Incorporating positive affirmations throughout the school

Community Involvement

Establishing neighbourhood watch-style systems for student safety

Creating partnerships between schools and counselling services

Involving parents in anti-bullying workshops

Preventive Measures

Early intervention programs

Regular workshops for students, teachers, and parents

Integration of anti-bullying education into the curriculum

Promotion of positive behaviour through extracurricular activities

A Call to Action

The experts emphasized that addressing bullying requires a collective effort from all stakeholders - schools, parents, community members, and students themselves. They particularly stressed the importance of stopping the sharing of bullying videos on social media, as this causes additional trauma to victims. 

For those seeking help, multiple channels are available:

School counsellors and social workers

The WCED hotline

Equal Education Law Centre’s legal services

Mental health practitioners

Anonymous support services 

Remember, creating safe spaces for our children requires continuous dialogue and collective action. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, you have a role to play in combating bullying and supporting those affected by it.

Click on the link below to listen to the interview.

Presenter: Jasnine Roberts

Producer: Lydia M