Most school principals and teachers don’t like to admit that bullying is a problem in most of our local schools. Many turn a blind eye unless it’s directed at a teacher.
Many parents and students have told the Sun City News of atrocious weekly incidents of bullying in our schools.
Some parents think all incidents should be reported to the police for investigation, but all too often the schools seem to want to keep it inhouse.
School bullying is a persistent problem with a very high number of students witnessing someone being bullied, teased, insulted or subject to rumours.
Ongoing bullying results in increased absenteeism, decreased academic performance and an increased risk of suicide. Frequently, it leads to increased local criminal activity and anti-social behaviours.
Marginalised children are at a higher risk to bullying. Schools should be creating safe environments for all students.
Research shows that most bullying happens against youth based on their appearance and many schools do not see the protection of at-risk, minority students as part of their responsibility.
The Sun City News is aware of local Facebook and You Tube incidents where a small group of students are victimising other students.
These incidents then spill over into the school yard or class room with teachers and principals saying: “This is normal, the kids will sort it out.”
The Sun City News is aware of a supposedly reconcilation meeting regarding school bullying which ended up with the parent of a bully, victimising the parent of the other student.
Most students who are currently being suspended from school have usually made some kind of threat to a teacher or school staff member.
Suspension for student to student bullying is very low, teachers are not being given the support they need to handle these problems.
Students can be ‘best friends’ until something snaps, rumours start and friendship turns to confrontation and various acts of bullying. These include Facebook abuse and mobile phone bullying.
And then, there are questions about the entire school suspension system - does it really work?
What is the solution?
Parents need to be involved in any problem their son or daughter maybe involved in. The role of a parent is vital to the future of their child.
If the parents don’t care, or haven’t got the time, what do they expect from their child?
Equally, schools need to have clearly defined rules regarding all bullying and every incident needs to be reported to the police for investigation and action.
Giving a bully a ‘pink slip’ or ‘red slip’ for their offensive actions has no effect. Students get the same slip for not doing their homework, where is the fairness?
Without proper discipline what sort of society are we allowing to be generated?
Both the bully and the student being bullied, have changes occuring in their life. The bully, feels superior and even more in control. While the bullied student undergoes changes in their life too.
They feel intimidated, hurt, become self conscious in both their school and home life.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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LOCAL INCIDENTS
* A young girl being dragged along the school ground at lunch time by the back of her dress. No teachers were supervising at the time of the incident.
* Another young girl was jumped on, called offensive names and made to piggy back ride other students.
* Students theiving other student’s mobile phone and making hoax calls.
* Students use of drugs at school, then accusing other students of supplying the drugs
If you have any school bullying issues, leave your comments below.
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