School hosts anti-bullying campaign
Bullying is defined as unwanted aggressive behaviour and usually occurs when there is a power imbalance between people. When it becomes repetitive, it can inflict significant harm upon the victim.
In light of Anti-Bullying Week, which took place between November 13 and 17, Sparks Schools stepped up to take a bold stance against bullying in schools.
According to Nkazimulo Zitha, head of school achievement at Sparks Schools, bullying almost always leads to behavioural problems, diminished academic performance and unfortunately, even suicide.
“Understanding the impact of bullying on a learner’s mental health has gained increased importance for teachers, guardians, and parents.
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“This understanding is crucial for the sake of the learner’s psychological well-being and academic development.”
Bullying is defined as unwanted aggressive behaviour and usually occurs when there is a power imbalance between people.
When it becomes repetitive, it can inflict significant harm upon the victim.
Zitha warned that there were five types of bullying:
• Physical
This is the most common form of bullying. It involves physical actions like pushing, tripping, kicking, hitting, spitting on, or destruction of a child’s property on purpose.
• Verbal
These bullies almost always operate when adults are not around. They will make fun of their victims, tease them, call them names, insult them, and verbally intimidate them.
• Cyberbullying
This happens in the digital space, on computers, smartphones, social media, texts, and instant messaging. It is also much harder to catch cyberbullies as they hide behind anonymity.
• Relational
This bully is usually set on increasing their own social standing by diminishing the standing of another learner through humiliation, spreading lies, and exclusion.
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• Prejudicial
Bullies target factors like race, religion, sexual orientation, or social standing.
Zitha said that the long-term effects of bullying on a learner’s mental health must not be underestimated.
“Research has shown that being a victim of bullying can lead to longer-term impacts including interpersonal violence, substance use, sexual violence, poor social functioning, and poor performance.
“Being bullied at a young age can affect someone well past childhood and can cause lifelong psychological damage,” she said.
Warning signs to look out for if you suspect a learner in your care is being bullied are changes in sleep patterns, loss of appetite, frequent tears and mood swings, unexplained bruises and scratches, damaged belongings, coming home hungry, not wanting to go to school and deteriorating academic performance.
To assist learners who are victims of bullying or are bullies themselves, Spark Schools appointed Tshegofatso Komape as a child protection officer whose focus is enhancing learners’ overall well-being.
“At Spark Schools, we emphasise values such as responsibility and kindness, but we cannot do it alone. Parents, guardians, and the community can all play a huge role in helping learners who are being bullied,” said Zitha.
“Teach your children the difference between bullying and teasing. While the line can be subtle, it’s crucial for them to grasp that persistent teasing can qualify as bullying.”
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Zitha encouraged learners to resist peer pressure, urging them to confide in adults, and supporting community initiatives that raise awareness about the risks of bullying.
Where to get professional help:
Sadag can be reached at www.sadag.org.za or 0800 567 567
Alternatively, Childline can be contacted at www.chilldlinesa.org.za or 116 on all networks (free).
