School bullying a major concern

MORE than half of children in schools are bullied daily in South Africa.

The shocking statistic was uncovered during a study by the Annual Bullying Survey last year.

With pupils at the beginning of their new academic year, most parents fear the dangers and challenges their children could be exposed to in schools.

According to various studies, bullying consist of direct behaviour and action against a victim such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting and stealing.

This pattern of behaviour has also increased dramatically, compared to previous years.

Whether direct or indirect, the key component of bullying is that the physical or psychological intimidation occurs repeatedly over time, creating an ongoing pattern of harassment and abuse.

Research also shows that pupils engaged in bullying behaviour seem to have a need for power and control.

According to Zululand counselling psychologist Dr Diane C Southgate, genetics do appear to play a role in the development of personality and emotions – such as aggression, frustration and intolerance.

‘Whether it is genetic or environmental is a longstanding debate. Parental influences interact with genetic predisposition to play a powerful role in shaping the behaviour of a child.

‘Most children who bully have witnessed this conduct in their own lives – aggressive action from parent or adults or being a victim of bullying themselves.

‘When parents deal with their frustrations by becoming aggressive, the child will model this and view it as acceptable,’ explained Southgate.

While most pupils experience bullying during their school years, 39% have kept it a secret from their parents and teachers, according to the survey.

‘Childhood bullying must be taken seriously. Victims must report bullying and parents must let the school know, to address the problem and get bullying to stop.

‘Children need to understand how important it is to report bullying. Encourage children to talk about what is happening at school.’

How to identify that your child is bullied

According to Dr Southgate, there are various tell-tale signs and symptoms, such as:

• Children appear to afraid or reluctant to go to school in the mornings

• They complain about headaches or tummy pains

• They have bad dreams

• They lose interest in academics and seem socially isolated.

• They come home from school with bruises and torn clothes

• They appear to be sad, are irritable and have anger outbursts.

WATCH this video from eNCA.com where a Durban teen was seriously injured by school bullies.