‘Bullied’ learner tries to take his life

A Grade Six learner at Drommedaris Primary School in Reiger Park reportedly tried to take his life last week after complaining that he was continuously being bullied at school.

According to a source who asked to remain anonymous, the child’s parent had reported the bullying to the school before he resorted to ‘taking his life’, apparently to escape the situation at school.

According to one of the community leaders, the child is still in hospital where he is slowly recovering from the damages caused to his lungs when trying to kill himself.

The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed the attempted suicide, saying it is saddened about the alleged attempt.

“At this stage we cannot confirm what led to the learner to try and commit suicide, but further investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of his actions. Counselling will be offered to the said learner,” said GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona.

Mabona said the outcome of the investigation will assist the department to determine necessary action to be taken.

“We wish him well and hope the learner will come back to school in due course,” said Mabona.

The Advertiser understands the incident didn’t happen at the school.

According to Childline South Africa  there are several ways one can be bullied:

• People calling you names
• Making things up to get you into trouble
• Hitting, pinching, biting, pushing and shoving
• Taking things away from you
• Damaging your belongings
• Stealing your money
• Taking your friends away from you
• Spreading rumours
• Threats and intimidation

Childline provides the following tips when you are being bullied:

You have to tell someone. You may not want to do this because it means showing that you are vulnerable, that you are letting someone get the better of you. But really, it is very important to tell someone otherwise, it may not stop. Speak to a friend, parent, brother or sister, uncle or aunt and most importantly, if it happens at school, speak to your teacher.
In the meantime:

• Try to stay in safe areas of the school at break and lunchtime where there are plenty of other people. Bullies don’t like anyone seeing what they are doing. If you are hurt at school, tell a teacher immediately and ask for it to be written down. Make sure you tell your parents.
• On the school bus, try to sit near the driver, or if it’s an ordinary bus, by other adults. If you have to walk part of the way, and you’re afraid of the bully finding you, then change your route, try to leave home and school a bit later or a bit earlier, or see if you can walk with other people who live near you, even if they’re older or younger.
• If you have a cell hone, be careful who you give your number to. If you receive threatening phone calls or emails then tell your parents. It is against the law for anyone to send offensive or threatening phone messages and if it continues, it can also amount to harassment. The police can, and do, take action.
• If you see anyone else being bullied at your school, please tell someone about it. But don’t get into trouble with the bullies, do it without anyone noticing. Tell a teacher when you get a chance and there isn’t anyone else around. People who are being bullied need friends so if you can help someone who is so unhappy please do so.

ALSO READ:

Bullying app gives victims a voice

Bullying: What you need to know

Can children be legally held accountable for bullying?