Akasia police educates learners through anti-bullying campaign

Akasia police in the north of Pretoria visited the Landmark Academy in Akasia recently to roll out an anti-bullying campaign.

The campaign held on April 17 included an information session with the learners.

Akasia police spokesperson Constable Lindiwe Mabasa said it was important to teach the learners about bullying at a young age.

“We need to work with teachers, parents and learners to make a difference and combat bullying in schools,” said Mabasa.

The team comprising the Akasia Social Crime Prevention and Victim Empowerment members reached out to over 180 learners.

Constables Maureen Baloyi and Sharol Ndhlovu of Social Crime Prevention conducted interactive role play with the learners, showing them what some of the actions are that amount to bullying.

“The learners were very eager to participate and showed their understanding as well.

“They also appeared to be well educated on the topic, which made it easy to communicate with them,” she said.

Mabasa said the school identified one particular learner who was contributing to bullying.

“The learner was advised to refrain from such behaviour and she was advised to instead befriend other learners and protect them.

“The learner was also warned of the consequences of continuing bullying others and that it may constitute criminal conduct which may be punishable by law in the form of imprisonment.”

Signs that your child may be a victim of bullying:

– Unwillingness to go to school
-Difficulty sleeping
– Complains about stomach aches
– Changes in eating habits
– Appears moody and sad
– Feeling helpless, anxious, and a decrease in self-esteem
– Loss of friends
– Comes home with torn, damaged, or missing pieces of clothing, books, or other belongings
– Loss of interest in schoolwork
– Declining grades

What can be done to help a child coming out of a bullying situation to make life easier:

– Always think proactively.
– Be honest. Tell your child there will always be bullies in the world and that the chances of bullying being stopped completely are very slim. Therefore, tell your child that you will find different ways together to be empowered to overcome bullying.
– It is very important to have a good relationship with your child because then they know that they can come to you for your support.
– Offer support and comfort. Always be there to listen. Children can sometimes feel ashamed or embarrassed when they are bullied, or they might worry their parents will be reactive, upset, or disappointed.
– Let them know that bullying is not okay and that it is not their fault.
– It is a positive sign if your child speaks about the fact that he/she is a victim of bullying – praise them for doing the right thing by talking about it. Let them know they are not alone.
– When you see that your child is not better emotionally, or still struggling with anxiety, it is time to get professional help.

Landmark Academy operation manager Nkhensani Aphane said the event was a success and credit went to the [police] members who made sure the children were taught well.

“This mustn’t end here, we need more people to come and teach these children and remind them of the importance of respect and structural behaviour,” said Aphane.

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