With Youth Month approaching in June, local police Capt Marietta Wright and chairperson for Curamus, Riana Pelser, visited Highveld Park High School to highlight violence and bullying in local schools.
Learners were warned that acts of violence could lead to a criminal record and dampen the learner’s chances of getting proper employment.
“You need to get your education. If you don’t have an education, you will not get proper work,” said Capt Wright.
She said this matter is not a joke and she is giving every school a stern warning that bullying and violence will not be tolerated.
“From now on, there will be disruptive operations held at schools. This means we will come at any time of the day, with police and our K9 unit and search you. We have the right,” said Capt Wright.
She said that the disruptive operations will be held for the search for weapons and drugs.
“You are throwing lives away. At least twice a week we are called out to a school to sort out fights.”
She said many fights are gang-related.
“I will charge you criminally. The moment you get a criminal case against your name and you are found guilty in the court of law, even if you are a minor, you will still struggle to get a job, because your behaviour shows that you are a bad person,” said Capt Wright.
She said parents pay for their children to go to school to learn, not to use drugs or alcohol and get involved in fighting at school.
“Your parents want you to do something with your lives, they are giving you the opportunity,” said Capt Wright.
She said learners who are involved in any fighting where weapons are used, be arrested and taken into police custody.
“You are old enough. Yes, you have the Children’s Act but this will not assist you when you commit violence. When there is violence against each other, we draw the line.
“Your attitude you show here, your discipline you show here, it shows what discipline you have at home,” concluded Capt Wright.
Riana Pelser spoke to learners on how to handle bullying.
Volunteers at Curamus work hand in hand with Secunda Police in assisting with trauma counselling.
“Bullying is not violence, it is abuse. Many faces daily bullying such as name-calling or speaking behind each other’s backs,” said Pelser.
She said there needs to be more of an understanding of why kids bully.
“A bully has low self-esteem. Bullies are themselves being bullied at home,” said Pelser.
Another form of bullying is cyberbullying. She said the best way to handle such bullies is by not entertaining them and not getting involved.
“Delete them, block them from your phone. Do not get involved, don’t answer your WhatsApp, just don’t respond. Don’t get in a situation where they keep on bullying you,” said Pelser.
She used one of the learners as an example of how to handle a bully.
The learner had to act out an example of a bully by calling Pelser ugly.
Pelser showed learners ways to respond to a bully when in that situation.
