Understanding the impact of bullying and how it affects learners
Look out for these signs if you suspect a youngster in your care is a victim of bullying.
Bullying in schools is a concerning trend. It almost always leads to behavioural problems, diminished academic performance, and unfortunately, even suicide.
“Understanding the impact of bullying on a learner’s mental health has gained increased importance for teachers, guardians, and parents. This understanding is crucial for the sake of the learner’s psychological well-being and academic development,” said Nkazimulo Zitha, head of school achievement at SPARK Schools.
Bullying is defined as unwanted aggressive behaviour and usually occurs when there is a power imbalance between people. When it becomes repetitive, it can inflict significant harm upon the victim.
The five types of bullying:
• Physical – this is the most common form of bullying. It involves physical actions like pushing, tripping, kicking, hitting, spitting on, or destruction of a child’s property on purpose.
• Verbal – these bullies almost always operate when adults are not around. They will make fun of their victims, tease them, call them names, insult them, and verbally intimidate them.
• Cyberbullying – this happens in the digital space, on computers, smartphones, social media, texts, and instant messaging. It is also much harder to catch cyberbullies as they hide behind anonymity.
• Relational – this bully is usually set on increasing their social standing by diminishing the standing of another scholar through humiliation, spreading lies, and exclusion.
• Prejudicial – bullies target factors like race, religion, sexual orientation, or social standing.
Zitha added that the long-term effects of bullying on a learner’s mental health must not be underestimated.
“Research has shown that being a victim of bullying can lead to longer-term impacts including interpersonal violence, substance use, sexual violence, poor social functioning, and poor performance. Being bullied at a young age can affect someone well past childhood and can cause lifelong psychological damage,” she said.
Warning signs to look out for if you suspect a learner in your care is being bullied are changes in sleep patterns, loss of appetite, frequent tears and mood swings, unexplained bruises and scratches, damaged belongings, coming home hungry, not wanting to go to school and deteriorating academic performance.
To assist learners who are victims of bullying or are bullies themselves, SPARK Schools appointed Tshegofatso Komape as a child protection officer whose main focus is enhancing scholars’ overall well-being.
“At SPARK Schools we emphasise values such as responsibility and kindness, but we cannot do it alone. Parents, guardians, and the community can all play a huge role in helping scholars who are being bullied,” Zitha said.
“Teach your children the difference between bullying and teasing. While the line can be subtle, it’s crucial for them to grasp that persistent teasing can qualify as bullying.”
Zitha suggested encouraging scholars to resist peer pressure, urging them to confide in adults, and supporting community initiatives that raise awareness about the risks of bullying.
Where to get professional help:
• Sadag: sadag.org.za or 0800 567 567
• Childline: chilldlinesa.org.za or 116 on all networks (free)
