The EMPD’s liaison officer, Deliwe Ndlovu, advises parents who are worried that their children may be experiencing bullying at school and have not opened up to them about it, to spot these signs.
They must also try to talk to the children to find out what is going on.
She encourages parents to monitor their children’s changes in behaviour or habits.
“Make them feel comfortable to talk to you about everything happening in their lives without feeling judged, as this makes it easier for them to reveal it when being bullied.”
Some of the crucial signs to look out for:
• Always having excuses for not wanting to go to school.
• Being angry at little things
• Developing a low self-esteem
• Recurring nightmares
• No longer wanting to socialise with other children
• Self-inflected injuries
• Always coming back to have lunch at home, even though they carried a lunch box to school
• Withdrawal from social media.
“Parents must always encourage their children to report any wrong done to them – either by other children or teachers. Bullying can cause stress and stress can lead to suicide. It is even worse when they feel like no one cares.”
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