Organisation educates youth about cyberbullying

A local organisation protecting learners from drugs, danger, and bullying held a cyber security awareness campaign at Vukani Mawethu Secondary School on Monday.

Founder of #Hashtag Operation Lukisa Sgela and ex-offender Tsiane Phakedi said they are working together with e-Government and Netcampus Group to educate the youth about the dangers of cyberbullying.

He said they are visiting all secondary schools in Mamelodi to sensitise learners about the issue and how it can destroy many lives.

“Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person,” said Phakedi.

He said online threats, mean, aggressive or rude texts, tweets, posts, or messages, are all forms of cyberbullying.

This includes the posting of personal information, pictures, or videos designed to hurt or embarrass someone else.

Phakedi said learners were informed about the many ways that cyberbullying manifests, including peer pressure, individuals being bullied themselves, or not realising the impact their actions can have on others, which can even lead to learners committing suicide.

“Learners should also be careful of what they are posting on social media, as it can affect their careers or ruin chances of getting a job,” he said.

Phakedi added that the learners were also warned about links posted on social media or messages that they may have won a competition they know they never entered.

He said this could lead to scammers hacking their cellphones and opening accounts in their names.

#Hashtag Operation Lukisa Sgela is a drugs-must-fall programme Sgela started while serving time in prison.

“We are working with police, correctional services, wardens and the CPF.

“This is part of giving back to the community and the programme I helped start in prison. I realised the problem started at school,” said Phakedi.

The programme makes sure learners no longer bunk class, don’t do drugs, stop carrying weapons to school, arrive on time and respect their teachers.

“We are here to make sure the learners follow the code of conduct and help them make the right life decisions,” he said.

Operation Lukisa Sgela visits all primary and high schools in Mamelodi and spends two weeks helping out at each.

“The aim of the programme is to make learners aware of the impact of bullying, drug use, and carrying dangerous weapons,” Phakedi said.

“The idea of working together helps because different stakeholders have their own skills and knowledge towards eradicating the issue of drugs, especially in schools.

“When it comes to bullying, we made sure learners are aware of the impact bullying has on the life and future of victims.”

He further pleaded with parents to come on board so they could help the learners make the right life decisions.

“There is a lot that needs to be done at our local schools, and we frisk-search learners before they enter school premises.

“We have learners who are found in possession of drugs and dangerous weapons; others threaten teachers with violence,” said Phakedi.

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