More than 58% of learners have experienced some form of bullying.
Some have ended in more serious tragedies in which victims have either died from this act or have, in some instances, committed suicide.
This is according to information from the Department of Education.
For this reason, members of the police’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit recently hosted a campaign at some high schools in Kimberley to raise awareness on bullying and cyberbullying.
The campaign was attended by Kimberley FCS members, WO Shaniela Antonie, Sgt Neo Noge, Consts. Harris Witbooi and Amelia Geweer, educators, and approximately 300 Gr. 8 and Gr. 9 learners.
Antonie raised her concerns about bullying in schools and on social media platforms which resulted in victims not going to school due to fear of being bullied, many suffering from depression, and some having taken their own lives.
Sgt Neo Noge focussed on the dangers of cyberbullying on different social media platforms, consisting of physical and verbal bullying which have a negative effect and causes serious emotional trauma.
According to the police, those who are found guilty of cyberbullying and bullying can be sentenced with a minimum prison term of three years or a fine, or even both. This will also be accompanied by a criminal record.
The police relayed the following safety hints for cyberbullying and bullying:
Do not respond. If someone bullies you, remember that your reaction is usually exactly what the bully wants. It gives him or her power over you.
Do not retaliate. Responding with similar threats reinforces the bully’s behaviour. Help avoid a whole cycle of aggression.
Save the evidence. Online messages can usually be captured, saved, and shown to someone who can help. Save evidence even if it is minor. Cyberbullying can escalate.
Block the bully. Use preferences or privacy tools to block the person. If it happens while you are chatting, leave the “room”.
Report abusive comments to the social media website administrators.
Reach out for help. Talk to a friend or a trusted adult who can help.
Tips for parents and teachers to stop cyberbullying
No matter how much pain it causes, children are often reluctant to tell parents or teachers about cyberbullying.
Spot the warning signs of cyberbullying:
a child may be the victim of cyberbullying if he or she becomes sad, angry, or distressed during or after using the Internet or a cellular phone;
appears anxious when receiving a text, email, or have been on social media websites;
avoids discussions or is secretive about computer or cellular phone activities;
withdraws from family, friends, and activities they previously enjoyed;
refuses to go to school or to specific classes, or avoids group activities; and
illustrate changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, appetite, or shows signs of depression or anxiety.
Prevent cyberbullying before it starts by teaching children to:
block communication with cyberbullies;
never post or share personal information online, including full name(s), address(es), telephone number(s), the school’s name, parents’ names, credit card number(s), or friends’ personal information;
never share internet passwords with anyone;
do not talk about or share information about your life online;
do not put anything online that is private, or what others must not see;
do not send messages angry or upset; and
always be as polite online as in person.
