The ugly reality of bullying has once again been thrust into the spotlight, with reports of 548 bullying incidents at South African schools since January 15. Tragically, some of these cases have led to young people attempting suicide.
Suicide among young South Africans is on the rise. The Department of Health reported that 7,426 children were treated for suicide attempts across the country between April and December 2024, and up to 20% of high school learners have tried to take their own lives.
“Tragically, these statistics are a reflection of what is happening in our society,” says Tshegofatso Komape, Child Protection Officer for SPARK Schools. She highlights that the crime rate, gender-based violence, and child abuse directly influence bullying in schools.
“Bullying doesn’t occur in isolation. Children mirror the behaviour they see around them—at home, in their communities, and on social media. If they are constantly exposed to aggression or abuse, they may start to see bullying as normal or acceptable,” she explains.
By acknowledging the societal factors contributing to bullying, we can work towards creating a more empathetic, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children. “Bullying deeply impacts a child’s self-esteem, mental health, and ability to focus in class. Their academic progress suffers because they are focused on survival rather than learning,” adds Komape.
But what can parents do if they suspect their child is being bullied—or if their child is the bully?
Practical Tips for Parents Concerned About Bullying
If Your Child Is Being Bullied
1. Listen and Believe Them
When your child opens up, validate their feelings and assure them that they did nothing to deserve this treatment.
2. Report the Incident to the School
Instead of taking matters into your own hands, allow the school to investigate and take action based on their anti-bullying policies.
3. Know the School’s Anti-Bullying Policy
Familiarise yourself with the school’s procedures so you understand what they should be doing—and ensure they follow the proper steps.
4. Follow Up and Hold the School Accountable
Reporting the issue is just the first step. Keep checking on the progress and make sure your child gets the support they need, whether from the school or externally.
5. Encourage Your Child to Speak Up
Children should never ignore bullying. Reporting it helps address the issue for both the victim and the bully.
6. Provide a Safe Space for Communication
Some children may feel too afraid to speak up. Schools like SPARK Schools use ‘expression boxes’ where students can anonymously report bullying—creating a voice for those who struggle to express themselves.
7. Monitor Their Online Activity
Cyberbullying is real and only getting worse. Talk to your child about social media safety and how to handle negative interactions online.
If Your Child Is the Bully
It can be hard to accept that your child may be hurting others, but it’s crucial to stay calm and listen to understand why they are behaving this way.
- Don’t excuse their behaviour. Instead, work with the school to address the root cause.
- Model good behaviour at home. Children learn from their surroundings—reinforce kindness, empathy, and respect in your daily interactions.
- Seek professional help if necessary. A counsellor or therapist can help your child work through any emotional challenges they are facing.
- Keep communication open with the school to ensure your child receives the appropriate guidance and support.
A Collective Responsibility
Bullying isn’t just a school issue—it’s a societal issue. Schools, parents, and communities must work together to create safer environments for children.
If you have stories, advice, or experiences to share, tag @041online.co.za—let’s keep the conversation going and work together to end bullying.
Leave a Reply