The governing body of Stellenbosch High School (SHS) has taken an unconventional approach to bullying, leaving community members and parents conflicted.
The school was alerted to a case of bullying last week and took immediate steps to prioritise the bullied boy’s mental wellbeing.
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A video that was posted to social media months ago already depicted a group of Grade 10 students assaulting a fellow student in the school bathroom. The footage shows the boy sitting on the bathroom floor, trying to protect his head and face while being punched and kicked.
The governing body released a statement that read, ‘The result of a physical game in a circle of friends that went too far,’ as per Netwerk24.
Many parents are criticising the school for not expelling the pupils involved.
The governing body believes that expulsion is not the answer and will only transfer the behaviour to other schools. Instead, the school aims to take appropriate disciplinary action in the form of remedial and constructive steps without downplaying the seriousness of the matter.
The statement read: ‘The school regrets the incident and is now making all possible efforts to turn it into a positive learning and growth opportunity for all pupils – including those involved.’
Educational psychologist Marelise Botha feels the school is following a good approach by applying positive discipline. ‘Punishment aims to control behaviour, but discipline develops behaviour and usually has better outcomes,’ said Botha.
The four boys involved have been tasked with helping on a construction project at the school as part of the disciplinary process.
‘This is in order to make a positive contribution through the repair and building of structures. Teachers, site staff and other pupils have already helped sporadically with the result that good, constructive conversations take place while the boys listen and speak more easily while they work.’
‘The pupils concerned will be back in class in time to sit their exams. They will express their regret for their actions on a later occasion and say what the lessons are that they have learned,’ said the governing body.
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said, ‘The main focus of the code of conduct must be positive discipline, and many schools focus on constructive learning rather than being punitive. This is the approach that Stellenbosch High School has been following for years.’
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Picture: kyo azuma / Unsplash