THE new school year has begun, and with that comes the accompanying social factors that play a role in a pupil’s school life. Corporate communications officer at SAPS Malvern, W/O Radhika Marimuthu, compiled a list of things to be cautious of to ensure safety and that pupils perform at their best.
“Here, the role of both the parent, the educator and other supporting organisations come to the fore. These role-players are crucial in helping the learner face and deal with challenges as they arise. Although many schools are safe, they can be susceptible to crime and violence in other environments if opportunity exists.
“There are no easy answers to the disturbing situations that children find themselves in today, but it is clear that joint efforts between parents, educators, law enforcement and other supporting role-players are essential,” she said.
– For most of their lives, children spend more time at school than anywhere else other than their own home. Factors such as peer pressure, group conflict and dysfunctional homes all play a role in teenagers’ attitudes to school and perception of life holistically.
– Even the most obedient child can be swayed by peer pressure and the accompanying acceptance by the group. Such a child can engage in acts that they don’t ordinarily participate in. The yearning for acceptance by the alpha group at school can be a trigger that propels children into performing initiation acts, bunking, engaging in drugs and substance abuse.
– Parents can assist in shaping children’s lives by talking to them about their day. Sometimes children won’t tell right away if they are having problems at school. Ask them if they see anyone bullied, if they are bullied, or if anything else makes them feel uncomfortable.
– Walking in groups to and from school is safer than walking alone. Adopting the buddy system is a practical safety measure. Ensure that your child also goes to extracurricular activities in groups. They must inform parents, siblings and guardians where they going and with whom.
– Contact numbers and addresses must be given to parents and elder siblings. As far as possible, parents should drop and fetch their children or have safe reliable lift clubs to school and for other activities.
– Look for warning signs, such as a sudden drop in grades, loss of friends, torn clothing or loss of appetite.
– Teach children to resolve problems without fighting through mediation and meeting each other half-way. Helping the conflict by balancing the situation will show the children a way forward instead of resorting to violence.
– Explain that fighting could lead to them getting hurt, hurting someone else or earning a reputation as a bully. Talk to them about other ways they can work out a problem, such as talking it out, walking away, sticking with friends or telling a trusted adult.
– Keep an eye on your children’s internet use. Many schools have computers with internet access. Ask your children’s school if pupils are monitored when they use the internet or if there is a blocking device installed to prevent children from finding explicit websites.
– Talk to your children about what they do online – what sites they visit, who they e-mail and who they chat with. Let them know they can talk to you if anything they see online makes them uncomfortable, whether it’s an explicit website or a classmate bullying them or someone else through e-mail, chat sites or websites.
