In South Africa, 27 per cent of pupils indicated that they do not feel safe at school.
This is according to a recent survey, The Dynamics of the Violence in South African schools by Flisher, Hetrick and McGorry showing either being bullied or threatened by other pupils at school, can leave the child with high levels of anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
Principal at Northcliff High School, Walter Essex-Clark said while they cannot control what happens to the pupils after school, they encourage a culture of tolerance at the school.
“We follow the message of treating others the way you would like to be treated,” he said. “There should be mutual respect between people, no matter the differences such as race, culture or religion. We encourage our pupils to unite behind the school badge and the same uniform.”
With the rapid increase of new media, children as young as three-years-old can be bullied or victims of bullying at school. Counselling psychologist at Akeso Crescent Clinic in Boskruin, Tamryn Coats said that the South African environment has created an atmosphere of underlying, yet constant anxiety among children.
“In many instances this negatively impacts their mental health and well-being. Children are easily exposed to information and the constant traumatic content in these spaces can lead to various mental disorders.”
Furthermore, the National Youth at Risk Survey which focuses on children and adolescents between Grades 8 and 11 highlighted that 24 per cent of the youth surveyed had depressive feelings of hopelessness and sadness, while a further 21 per cent had attempted suicide at least once.
Details: Akeso Crescent Clinic 011 447 0268.
