BULLYING FACTS EVERY SA PARENT SHOULD KNOW
Bullying causes anxiety and depression which could lead to self mutilation, substance abuse and even suicidal thoughts. Did you know that? It doesn’t matter whether you are a brand new parent or an experienced one battling against teenage hormones, everyone should be aware of these bullying facts. Rather prevent your child from the physical and emotional abuse by better educating yourself on the South Africa bullying stats, see the list below…
Bullying facts
- More than 3.2 million learners are bullied yearly in South Africa.
- When asked, 52% of learners characterised bullying as an act of verbal abuse and 22% explains it as physical abuse in the form of pushing, hitting and beating.
- More than 67% of bully victims will not ask a teacher for help because they don’t think it will change their situation.
- 90% of school bullying is carried out by learners.
- 8% of school bullying is carried out by teachers.
- 4% of learners know someone who is being bullied.
- The Western Cape has the most reported cases of bullying with over 18.5% of learners reporting acts of abuse.
- 160 000 high school learners bunk school daily to avoid being bullied.
- 1 in 10 learners drop out of school to avoid being bullied.
- 16% of learners admit that they are victims of cyber-bullying.
Bullying can be defined as a desire to repeatedly hurt someone using words or violence. The desired effect is mostly to feel powerful or superior to the person who is victimised. Bullying includes the following:
- Teasing and spreading rumours
- Threatening
- Taking or stealing from someone
- Damaging and breaking property
- Deliberately excluding other learners from activities like games and sports
The misconception that most have is that it is the teacher’s responsibility to address bullying. You as parents have a responsibility too. Look for signs whether your child is happy at school or trying to avoid going at all costs. Communication is key! Try making it a daily activity where you discuss what happened at school and try to pick up on sudden mood changes. If you do suspect your child is the victim of bullying, contact the school and tell the principal or teacher.
Websites dealing with bullying
Further reading
- SA school violence ‘out of hand’
- 57% of SA children claim to have been bullied at school
- Bullying Statistics in South Africa
Source: https://www.saferschools.co.za/bullying-facts-parent-should-know/