Amid the laughter and games on school playgrounds, a darker reality lurks in the lives of countless children across South Africa, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Bullying, once trivialised as a ‘rite of passage,’ has evolved into a frightening epidemic that casts long-lasting emotional scars on young victims.
With an estimated 40% of school-aged children confronting some form of bullying, it is a crisis that demands urgent attention from schools, families, and the government alike.
According to new research, one in three teenagers faces the harrowing experience of cyberbullying, a trend exacerbated by the pervasive influence of social media. Platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok are frequently weaponised, extending harassment well beyond school hours, leaving victims trapped in a relentless cycle of torment.
‘We’re not just dealing with bruises anymore, children are anxious, depressed, and in some cases, suicidal. When bullying is compounded by digital shame, the psychological damage can be lifelong,’ warns Dr Alicia Porter, a board member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP).
This modern form of bullying transcends physical confrontations and name calling. Today’s torment can manifest in a myriad of ways: voice notes filled with taunts, exclusion from group chats, manipulated photos, and public humiliation all leave children feeling increasingly vulnerable and helpless. For many, there seems to be no respite from the emotional turmoil.
Victims often internalise their suffering, reporting cases only after prolonged exposure to trauma. Common narratives among these children reveal a profound sense of isolation, steep declines in self-esteem, anxiety, and drops in academic performance.
‘Long after the bullying ends, emotional wounds remain, manifesting in adulthood as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, trust issues, and relationship struggles, these are not just childhood memories; they’re psychological injuries,’ Porter emphasises.
While bullying affects boys and girls alike, the methods of torment differ significantly. ‘Boys are more likely to experience physical bullying, while girls tend to face relational or verbal abuse,’ Porter states.
However, the distinction often blurs, with many children enduring a mixture of both forms. Furthermore, the nature of bullying can intersect with race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, particularly in multi-ethnic environments, making some children from disadvantaged backgrounds more vulnerable.
Understanding the root causes of bullying reveals that many perpetrators are themselves victims, struggling with trauma, neglect, or violence at home. In some cases, they bully to assert control or elevate their social standing among peers.
‘Group dynamics often escalate the harm, just one child can lead the charge, but peer pressure transforms cruelty into performance,‘ Porter explains. Sadly, schools frequently lack the resources and strategies necessary for effective intervention.
Despite clear legal frameworks like Section 6 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) and the South African Schools Act, many institutions fail to establish consistent anti-bullying policies.
Also read:
Stop the share: WCED acts against school violence and online abuse
Picture: Unsplash
