From Silence to Support: Tackling Bullying in Our Schools

Bullying in schools is a serious issue that affects learners and families across South Africa, and recent incidents in Gauteng have brought the problem into sharp focus. Videos and reports of violence have been shared widely on social media, showing how quickly these situations can escalate and why everyone needs to take bullying seriously.

In Johannesburg, a video of a group of students assaulting a fellow pupil in Yeoville went viral earlier this year. The learners involved were arrested and suspended, and the Gauteng Department of Education condemned the attack, urging learners to speak out and report bullying rather than stay silent.

Elsewhere in the province, cases of bullying have involved serious physical harm. At Thuto-Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloorus, a Grade 8 learner was reportedly hospitalised with severe injuries after an assault by older pupils. Parents protested after feeling the school did not act quickly enough, and the department responded by deploying support teams and beginning investigations.

The Gauteng Education Department has also had to deal with stabbing and assault incidents at schools in Boksburg and Pretoria, where videos of pupil violence circulated online and prompted official action. The department has pledged zero tolerance for bullying and increased safety measures, including counselling for victims.

Sadly, bullying can have deep emotional consequences. There are reports of learners feeling isolated, mocked or targeted over time, and in some cases this has led to tragic outcomes, including a pupil taking their own life after prolonged bullying.

What you can do if bullying happens

Talk to someone you trust

Speak with a teacher, school leader, parent or guardian. Sharing what is happening is the first step to getting help.

Report the incident

Make sure the school knows about the situation. If no action is taken, contact the district office of the Gauteng Department of Education or a child protection organisation.

Keep evidence

If bullying happens online or in person, save messages, videos or photos that can help adults understand the problem and act on it.

Ask for support

Learners who feel hurt or scared can speak to school counselors or child support organisations. Parents and caregivers can also access help from community support groups.

No learner should feel unsafe at school. By talking about bullying, reporting it early and getting support, we can help protect young people and build a kinder, safer learning environment.