“My son is being bullied, and nothing is being done” – mom

THE mother of a 12-year-old boy, who has allegedly been bullied at school over the past year, believes he is being failed by both the education department and police.

The Bluff mother, whose identity has been withheld to protect her child, said she now fears the long-term impact on her son, and that he will become another bullying statistic.

She said in the first alleged incident in February this year, her son, who is in Grade 6, was assaulted by another learner in the same grade, to the extent that he suffered a concussion.

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“He had informed me that he was beaten by two learners after he did not pass them the ball while playing soccer during a PE lesson. They were on the opposition team. He said when he left the field to go drink water, they had followed him and repeatedly hit him on the back, neck and head.

“I had to take him to the doctor as he was in a lot of pain, and was informed that he had a concussion due to the assault. When I queried the incident at the school, a meeting was held with the parents and I was told it would not happen again, but it hasn’t stopped, ” she said.

The mother said she had also opened a police case after the first incident, but nothing has been done to date, and the alleged bullying continues.

“The school did not take any disciplinary action against the boy the first time, so he has continued to torment my child. Just the other day, my son came home and told me that the same boy had pulled him by his shirt and hit him on the chest while in the classroom.

“When I called the school to find out what was happening, they told me I should send an email. I am still waiting for a response. It is frustrating as this boy gets to hurt my child, and there is no accountability.

“My child was a bubbly and happy-go-lucky boy, who loved to attend school where he excelled. But now, all he does when he gets home is sit in his room, and he does not even want to go to school anymore. His subject marks have also been affected as he can no longer concentrate. I am considering home-schooling in the new year, but why should I do that? The bully will just find another victim,” she said.

Captain Louise le Roux, the Brighton Beach police spokesperson, said detectives are investigating a case of common assault.

“Despite the detective’s efforts, progress in the matter is being prolonged as the accused is a minor, and consent had not been granted by the parent for an interview and a warning statement to be obtained.

“Further to this, the detective also consulted with the principal of the school, and requested a consultation between the parties involved, but was unsuccessful,” she said.

Le Roux, said the family of the victim were advised to approach the family court to apply for a harassment order, which would assist in the criminal case.
The school’s principal declined to comment.

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