THE frightening reality is that bullying is alive and well in South African schools with as many as 30 percent of six to 15-year-olds having been bullied in the past year.
On May 3 Sgt Lindile Moloi from SAPS Brackendowns invited private security specialists, Fidelity ADT, Fox and 4th Dimension as well as representatives from emergency services in the Alberton area, to speak to the Grade One learners at Brackenhurst Primary.
Moloi, who is responsible for 20 schools in the area, regularly visits the schools with different messages depending on the need. “The work we do generally ranges from unannounced searches to educational talks on anti-bullying, personal safety and anti-crime. We really try and empower the children and discourage them from ending up on the wrong side of the law,” said Moloi.
She said the sooner the children realise that having a criminal record can have a negative impact on their future the better, particularly since what they do early in their lives definitely will impact them later on.
This week’s talk was on bullying and was presented by Linda Goodenough, community development manager at Fidelity ADT. “Although the children were so little, I was astounded by their knowledge about bullying and how it makes them feel,” said Goodenough.
A lot of emphasis is placed on cyber bullying which is a real threat but a bigger threat sits in the playground and the classroom.
Children are five times more likely to be bullied at school than online and recent stats show that 87 percent of bullied children have in fact been bullied at their school.
Goodenough applauded Moloi and her team for allowing her team to speak to the children.
“It is all about bringing the topic out into the open and empowering schools and children to put an end to the cycle,” said Goodenough.
Moloi thanked those who assist her with the talks. “I am honoured to have the support of the security companies to help me do this work in the interest of the children. The children are our future.”
Read online for more of the messages Goodenough shared with the children.
ALSO READ:
Brackenhurst Primary learners learn about bullies
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox: Newsletter-Signup
