The suicide and murder of some children stems from bullying at schools, and parents might not notice this at the beginning.
On February 25, Sebenza SAPS visited Pinnacle College Founders Hill in Modderfontein, to address bullying. They also talked about respect, drug abuse and child trafficking.
Also read: How parents can handle the bullying of children
Sgt Sharon Tsotsotso, the communications officer of Sebenza SAPS, addressed grades three to 12 learners on the Safer School Programme.
Learners listened attentively to the sergeant’s talk in assembly fashion.
Safer School Programme is a national campaign by SAPS to prevent school-based crimes.
The programme also seeks to encourage the participation of police officers in promoting safer and orderly school environments.
According to National SAPS, the Department of Basic Education and the police are committed to preventing, managing and responding to incidents of crime and violence in schools.
Schools are encouraged by SAPS to establish and maintain a Safe School Committee.
A Safe School Committee comprises internal stakeholders of the school such as learners, educators, school governing body (SGB) members and school security personnel.
External role players include the SAPS, the metropolitan police, local ward councillors, social workers and community police forums (CPFs).
The parents’ involvement in detecting suspicious behaviour in their children was also highlighted by the communications officer.
Tsotsotso said parents must give themselves time to talk to their children every day about what happened at school.
Social worker Jaimie Penny, of Edenvale Child and Family Welfare Society, said parents must encourage an open line communication.
“Parents should know their children’s behaviour and take notice when they start acting differently to their normal behaviour.”
Penny gave five ways to identify if your child if being bullied.
• Comes home with injuries.
• Withdrawn and speaks less.
• Spend all their time in their bedroom.
• Have stomach cramps more frequently, might be anxious.
• Lethargic, indifferent, sluggishness and slower than usual.
For more information on the Safer School Programme call Tsotsotso on 011 400 6000.
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