Bullying is back in the spotlight after the latest incident reared its ugly head at Sea Point High School.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed it is investigating a case involving a 15-year-old Grade 8 boy who was allegedly physically attacked by three fellow learners.
Millicent Merton, spokesperson for the department, says the father contacted the school on Tuesday 25 November.
The incident comes just a month after Milnerton High School made headlines following a disturbing video surfaced on social media.
The video showed a Grade 10 learner being assaulted by his peers.
Eight Grade 11 learners appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court last month on a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
Six of them were granted R2 000 bail, while the two minors were released with warnings.
The matter was postponed until Tuesday 20 January next year.
Commenting on the latest incident, Merton says the parents of the learners have been contacted and disciplinary action will be taken in line with the school’s Code of Conduct.
According to Merton, the victim raised concerns about bullying in the past.
“It is further noted that the learner had previously reported incidents of bullying and the school had implemented support measures at that time.”
She says the matter is being investigated by the police.
Capt FC van Wyk, provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that Sea Point police are investigating a case of common assault. No arrests have been made yet.
In an interview with People’s Post previously, Dr Sifiso Shabangu, Clinical Psychologist and Postdoctoral Fellow at Stellenbosch University’s Department of Educational Psychology, explained the complex reasons behind bullying.
“The learner could be experiencing low self-esteem, for reasons such as an unsupportive home environment, and the bullying could be a mechanism for asserting and inserting themselves into a space to gain popularity, which is more about visibility.
He noted that social environments also contribute to bullying behaviour.
Shabangu said schools play a critical role in both preventing bullying and supporting victims, starting with equipping teachers to effectively manage children who exhibit bullying behaviour.
