The silent epidemic of bullying: a call for action in schools

PERHAPS one of the most persistent and damaging problems affecting pupils across the world will continue to be the issue of bullying.

- PROFESSOR VIMOLAN MUDALY

A SCREENGRAB of the video of the bullying incident at Milnerton High School. | Facebook.

A quick perusal of the research already conducted reveals that the problem has been identified and recognised as a scourge that destroys lives.

And yet, despite active efforts to foster inclusive and supportive educational environments, countless pupils continue to suffer emotional, psychological, and most often, physical harm at the hands of their ill-mannered peers, like that in the Milnerton school.

Bullying does not only involve harmless teasing or playful banter; it represents a deliberate and repeated form of aggression that creates lasting scars on its victims and erodes the social fabric of school communities.

Often, the effects of these scars can be seen and felt well into adult life as well.

How we understand the nature, causes and consequences of bullying will determine how effective our strategies can be to prevent it.

All of these strategies are essential to promoting a safer educational environment.

Bullying is repeated aggressive behaviour that is always intentional in nature, and involves a more powerful perpetrator and a victim. This power may emanate from a person's physical size or strength from social influences like popularity, or from a psychological state such as emotional manipulation and intimidation.

Physical bullying includes actions such as hitting, kicking or damaging another pupil’s belongings. Verbal bullying involves name-calling, insults or threats.

Social bullying aims to damage someone’s reputation or relationships through exclusion, gossip or humiliation.

Recently, cyberbullying has emerged as a particularly harmful form, using digital platforms such as social media and messaging apps, to harass or spread false information.