Creating a unified shield: Why we each play a part in preventing bullying in SA’s schools

In the bustling hallways and playgrounds of South African schools, a silent epidemic persists – one that scars the hearts and minds of over 3.2 million learners every year: Bullying. With its menacing grip, bullying inflicts wounds deeper than what meets the eye, leaving an indelible mark on children’s lives around the country. It is a complex issue demanding urgent attention and a united effort from schools, parents and learners.

Let these staggering statistics sink in: More than 67% of South African learners tormented by bullies choose silence, believing that seeking help from their teachers or parents will not change the situation. A heart-wrenching 160 000 high school learners bunk school daily, their absence a desperate attempt to evade the torment of bullies. One in 10 learners, overwhelmed by their relentless persecution, makes the agonising decision to drop out of school altogether.

Behind these stark numbers lie stories of anguish and despair that cut to the core. Each month, three learners under the age of 15 choose to end their lives under the crushing weight of depression and desperation – lost to a world that failed to shield them from the merciless grip of bullying.

As parents, teachers and students it is paramount that we stand together to shield our youth from this rampant scourge.

It is our collective responsibility to create a safe and nurturing environment

In its most recent Future Talk webinar, Future Nation Schools’ (FNS) Head of Schools, Mampho Langa cast a piercing light on what the collective can do to gain the upper hand on this plight. Together with her panel; consisting of licensed therapist, Kenalemang Nkwoji and Deputy Head: FNS Lyndhurst, Khetha Maphanga-Ngcobo; Langa echoed the urgent need for a collective and emotionally responsive approach to stem this tide. Students, parents and teachers were summoned to unite in a chorus against bullying, to become beacons of empathy and guardians of safety.

Says Nkwoji: “In the intricate tapestry of a child’s educational journey, the synergy among parents, teachers and learners should be viewed as a three-legged pot. Imagine this pot as the heart of a nurturing environment, where each leg, representing parents, teachers and learners, is indispensable in upholding stability and strength. When all three legs stand firm through open dialogue, trust and empathy, the pot acts as a shield that deflects cruelty and embraces compassion. It becomes is a sanctuary against the corrosive forces of bullying. But if one of these legs is not present or indeed standing on firm ground, the pot becomes wobbly and runs the risk of spilling its nurturing content.”

But how does one create such a unified pot?

During the course of the webinar, the panel discussed several actionable strategies that schools, parents and learners can collectively implement to combat bullying effectively.

Five actionable, collaborative steps to stop bullying at schools

1. Comprehensive anti-bullying policies: School policies play a pivotal role in creating a zero-tolerance environment. Langa emphasises that FNS’s comprehensive anti-bullying policy embeds the school’s PRIDEF value system, which fosters a culture of respect, dignity and inclusivity within the school’s environment, while upholding its ethical and legislative obligations in regards to this matter. Drawn up in collaboration with educators, therapists, parents and other stakeholders, the school’s policy clearly outlines unacceptable behaviours, consequences for perpetrators and the support mechanisms involved for all involved.

But while anti-bullying policies are necessary, “when it comes to these it is important thing for parents to understand that according to The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and The Child Justice Act 75 of 2008, schools are required by law to take a restorative approach when someone causes harm,” points out Nkwoji. “This means holding the perpetrator accountable but also helping them change for the better. This can be a hard pill for a parent whose child was bullied to swallow. Naturally, they want to see the bully punished. But in the long run, restorative justice helps address bullying in a better way. It helps both the bully and the victim express their feelings, take part in programmes and processes that aim to heal and fix what went wrong in order to help the victim heal and correct the bully’s behaviour to ensure that both move forward in a positive way. Restorative justice makes schools safer, kinder and encourages good behaviour.”

2. Equipping teachers and parents with tools and information: The panel stressed the significance of providing teachers and parents with specialised training to recognise bullying behaviours from both a victim and a perpetrator perspective, intervene effectively and create a supportive environment that helps learners navigate complex interpersonal dynamics as well as identifies damaging behaviours in their early stages.

3. Encouraging channels of open communication: Open communication is the most crucial weapon in the fight against bullying. Maphanga-Ngcobo highlighted the importance of fostering open communication channels between schools and parents and illustrated how FNS’ Intsika programme seeks to do exactly that. Through regular dialogues and parent-teacher meetings, programmes like this support learners’ emotional well-being and give them platforms in which they can speak out should something be troubling them either at home or at school.

4. Peer support programmes: Over 90% of bullying is orchestrated by learners who perpetuate a cycle of pain and anguish on one another. For this reason, it is imperative that, in addition to opening up channels of communication between parents and teachers, schools also create peer support systems to create a culture of solidarity and empathy among learners. This concept is also embedded in FNS’ Intsika programme where peer mentoring empowers learners to become allies and a creates a supportive network where learners feel heard and supported no matter what they are going through.

5. Promoting cyber safety education: Cyber-bullying, with its insidious reach, preys upon the vulnerabilities of 16% of South African learners, turning virtual spaces into battlegrounds of cruelty and isolation. It is both the schools’ and parents’ responsibility to educate learners about responsible online behaviour and the impact of digital interactions. Integrating cyber safety education into the curriculum and talking about online etiquette and safety measures can empower students to navigate virtual spaces responsibly.

It takes a collective effort to foster a culture of kindness and empathy within society

Imagine a world where schools are sanctuaries of trust and respect. Where children feel heard and valued. Where parents and teachers are equipped not just with knowledge but also with the tools to recognise and address bullying. A world where everyone acts as a vigilant ally, fostering resilience and expressing empathy towards all they engage with, and provides unwavering support for any underaged child.

“It is only by taking a collective response that we will be able to stop bullying in schools. We need to create a reality where parents nurture at home, teachers guide in the classroom and students learn to stand as beacons of kindness and support for one another, creating a sanctuary where bullying finds no room to thrive,” concludes Langa.

To explore these impactful strategies and learn how to actively contribute to preventing bullying in schools, catch the insights shared during the November FutureTalk webinar here.