WATCH: Alberton CPF says no to bullying

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ALBERTON CPF held the first of their No to Bullying talks on August 3 at NG Church South Crest.

The CPF invited speakers from Impact Mission Training and Life Brackenview to speak to parents and community members about the different aspects of bullying in our schools.

Dr Lynne Lopez from Impact spoke to those present about shocking stats regarding the prevalence of bullying within South African schools.

Lopez visits schools around South Africa as part of the Impact Anti-Bullying Campaign.

She gave the parents some signs that can indicate that your child might be a victim of bullying or a bully themselves.

According to her, it is time to stop blaming the institutions for the problems our children are facing and rather work at finding a solution to the bullying problem.

She said what is required is restorative justice, which helps to alleviate the problems faced by both bullies and the bullied.

Her advice to parents who believe their child is being bullied is to not let go. Follow through with your investigation and ensure the problem is sorted out.

Dr Johan Lombard of Life Brackenview spoke to the parents about the psychological effects of bullying.

He compared the feelings felt by the victim to those of a person who has been in a car accident.

He said bullying can lead to isolation, avoidance, depression and in extreme cases even suicide.

Lombard added that there is a link between bullying and substance abuse.

He said it is important to let the victim know what their feeling is okay and enforce a sense of pride and worth in their standing up to the bully and coming forward to let people know.

Col Doctor Sibuya, station commander of Alberton SAPS, added to the discussion that there are three kinds of cases that could be opened against a prospective bully – cases of assault, intimidation or crimen injuria- depending on the situation.

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