Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi engaged with the community at a parent meeting, where she was supported by the CPF Sector 1 deputy chairperson, Olga Joubert and a CPF member.
During the engagement, held at Laerskool Kommando on October 12, Buthelezi addressed parents on bullying, citing that children are always given talks at schools but parents are never addressed.
“Bullying is a matter of discussion, and the strangest and saddest psychological phenomenon is that many parents bully their children without even realising it,” she said.
Buthelezi briefed the parents on the alarming bullying statistics in South Africa, wherein research shows that more than 3.2m learners are bullied, among which 68% will not ask for help and 90% of the bullies are other learners.
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Buthelezi explained to the parents that studies show that 20% of learners who are bullied have attempted suicide, and the youngest learner in South Africa on record to have committed suicide was a six-year-old. It happened in 2017, in the school’s bathroom.
“Bullying is a great concern for the mental and physical wellbeing of a child. The SAPS wants to make parents aware of this dangerous and lesser-known threat,” Buthelezi explained.
She explained to the parents and educators that most learners are bullied in their homes by their parents. This takes the form of mental and emotional abuse, like calling your child fat, ugly, stupid or other negative comments.
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Other ways children can be bullied at home or in school is through sexual abuse, physical abuse, or cyberbullying. Parents were encouraged to support and protect their children against bullying.
“A bullying parent is an aggressive parent. Bullying has negative outcomes on you, whether you are the victim or perpetrator. Children who are victims of bullying will lose self-esteem, and academic performance can take a hit,” Buthelezi explained.
She pleaded with parents to not be overly critical of their children’s thoughts, feelings and actions. Instead, she advises that parents listen to their children, support and reassure them, and occasionally consult with the school on matters pertaining to their child.
Parents were then informed of current anti-bullying laws and were made aware that they could be held liable if their child is a bully, even when they are not aware of it.
