Anti-bullying workshop held for children of Ithute Primary School
ALEXANDRA — Grade 6 children of Ithuteng Primary School took part in an anti-bullying workshop organised by the Alexandra Kidz Clinic and social work students of Wits University.
One of the student social workers from Wits University. Photo: Elizabeth Mokoena
The Alexandra Kidz Clinic held an anti-bullying workshop for children of Ithute Primary School.
The workshop was facilitated by the auxiliary social worker at the clinic, Constance Mudau, together with social work students of Wits University, and was aimed to educate Grade 6 schoolchildren about the effects that bullying might have on a victim.
Some of the Ithute Primary School Grade 6 children and social worker Constance Mudau (back right) at an anti-bullying workshop. Photo: Elizabeth Mokoena
“Too often we see children dropping out of school because they were bullied,” said Mudau. She that added the clinic had two previous cases of schoolchildren who had overdosed on drugs because they had been bullied.
“These kids were scared and felt alone and nobody could help them.”
She urged parents to show interest in their children’s lives.
“Asking your child how their day was will make it easier for them to open up about issues that affect them at school.”
The day was filled with fun and games to make the young ones more comfortable with the topic. “One of the games we played was the crumpled paper exercise where learners were given pieces of paper they had to squeeze and throw to the floor. When they ironed the paper it was still creased.
“The exercise symbolised how a bullied child felt, nothing can make them feel better.”
The Grade 6 learners of Ithute Primary School also pledged their support against anti-bullying through fingerprints. Photo: Elizabeth Mokoena
Mudau said parents should be aware of the warning signs among their children. “Simple things like a change in sleeping patterns or wetting of the bed might be signs that your child is being bullied at school.” She added that bullied children often were reluctant to go to school.
She pleaded with children who were being bullied to contact the clinic situated at the police station, tell an adult or call Childline.
Prizes were given to children who answered questions posed to them.
