POLOKWANE – A video has gone viral on Facebook this morning (1 March) of two learners from a local high school, fighting in the municipal park on the corner of Thabo Mbeki and Burger Streets.
The video, which shows two girls hitting and punching each other, has been shared more than 100 times already and has received over 4000 views.
For protection purposes, the video cannot be published.
In the video, two learners can be seen involved in an argument, surrounded by other learners 
After slapping the one learner, the other forces her to the ground.
They then begin pushing and shoving each other.
The one learner can be seen trying to get the other off her.
Women who had been sitting nearby then tried to pull the learners apart.
The learners are eventually pulled apart.
The video once again highlights the plight of bullying in the city as well as social media (cyber) bullying, which is on the increase.
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.
There have been several cases of bullying in the city and Review spoke to Zelda Buitendag, a clinical psychologist about bullying:
“There is a lot of research which has been done on the effects of sex and violence on television on children’s attitudes and values. Internet and mobile phones can also be added to this list. The Internet has become a big part of our children’s educational and social life, and it exposes them to even more violence. Computers and cell phone technology has become the links of our children’s social networks, “she explained.
Zelda explains that bullying has two components – the repeated harmful behavior, and an imbalance of power. These include persistent physical, verbal or psychological attacks or intimidation of a victim who cannot defend themselves.
“To be bullied can cause lasting damage, whether it is physical or emotional. The physical wounds heal quickly, but the emotional scars leave behind a poor self-image. Bullying is an attempt to stir up fear and self loathing in others. ”
According Morne Marais, former Mr. South Africa finalist and ambassador for Fighting Against Bullying and Abuse (faba) Movement, there are several reasons why people bully others.The following factors may be reasons why children bully each other:
– Lack of attention from parents, friends and teachers.
– Direct action of frustration and anger, problems at home with parents.
– Some children have learned bullying of others from parents, siblings and friends.
– Violent movies and video games.
– Children usually try these actions on people whom are smaller or weaker than they are.
Marise feel that parents often do not know their children is a bully.
For more information, visit the Facebook page: Anti Bully Polokwane website: https://fabafoundation.com.
Read more:
7 Types of bullying you as a parent, learner should know about
Learner’s tips on how to handle bullies
Boy tells of his ordeal at the hands of bullies
Has your child been a victim of bullying? Send us an email or contact us on Facebook.
