Welties singer speaks up against bullying for Child Protection Week
"I have been cyber-bullied through WhatsApp and have been invited into groups only to be sworn at and called names.”
National Child Protection Week is commemorated in South Africa annually to raise awareness of the rights of children.
As we enter into Child Protection Week 2021, 14-year-old singer songwriter Gabrielle De Gama acts as a voice for the youth and wants to draw attention to the dangers of bullying.
A victim of bullies herself, the popular Weltevreden Park songbird has been bullied since she was in Grade 4.
“I have been verbally bullied by children calling me ‘ugly’ and saying things like I’m talentless.
“I have been cyber-bullied through WhatsApp and have been invited into groups only to be sworn at and called names.”
Bullying is a big problem with big consequences, and although bullying affects everyone, it is a problem particularly among adolescents.
“Sadly, bullies can cause lasting psychological and physical damage to other kids,” said Gabrielle.
Recently, the whole country learned of a 15-year-old pupil in Limpopo, Lufuno Mavhungu who died by suicide after allegedly overdosing on prescription pills.
It was revealed through a video that Lufuno was being bullied by her fellow classmates. In the video, which has since gone viral, Lufuno is beaten by another Grade 10 learner who repeatedly slapped her while other schoolgirls cheered her on.
Bullying is not always physical and can also be verbal, such as with Gabrielle; though, it is equally dangerous.
When asked why she thought she was a victim of bullying, Gabrielle revealed to the Northsider that she was bullied because of her being different in some respects.
“The first time I got bullied was because my hair was thicker than everyone else’s,” explained Gabrielle.
In order to deal with her situation, she spoke up against the bully and told her parents. She also wrote a song titled ‘Nasty’ about this very same issue.
“I realised the bullies are taking out their insecurities on me. Normally the bully picks on you because they have certain expectations of who you are supposed to be.
“In my case, if you stand out or you draw the attention of others, that upsets them. Once I understood that their words were more a reflection of their insecurities and where they are in their life, it made me more confident to be myself,” said Gabrielle.
If you are being bullied and need to talk to someone, children are encouraged to call ChildLine South Africa on 08000 55 555.
