One of the most prevalent forms of bullying is social media bullying, otherwise known as cyber-bullying – where hundreds, if not thousands, of people can share or like a post that can be harmful to them or another person.
The responsible thing to do when seeing or receiving such a harmful post is to stop it from being shared elsewhere, either by deleting the post or to “Stop the Share” completely by reporting harmful content. However, many people are unaware of how to do this.
Why an anti-bullying campaign?
The campaign was initiated in memory of a Limpopo school learner Lufuno Mavhunga, a Grade 10 learner who was hit by another learner, an incident captured on camera. It was subsequently shared on social-media platforms. The video went viral, and Lufuno sadly took her own life shortly after the incident.
Unfortunately, there are many other learners like Mavhunga who are victims of bullying at school, in their community and on social media. Bullying can be verbal, physical and/or via a third party. No matter what shape or form it takes, others should not contribute towards it.
Any learner, or parent of a learner, who has gone through such abuse knows the pain and trauma it can cause. It can lead to depression, anxiety, self-harm and, in some cases, even suicide. The use of social media has heightened these risks.
Learners are using various social media platforms to tease, embarrass, intimidate or torment other learners. The sad reality is it involves thousands of learners who are either posting, sharing, or commenting on videos, photos or messages that damage the reputation or confidence of others.
While the actions of the bully are unacceptable, the actions of the hundreds or thousands of people who share, like, or comment on the content are similarly unacceptable.
While the campaign is initiated by the WCED, it not only targets learners, but anyone who is using their social media statuses to perpetuate bullying and harm.
It is time for everyone to #StopTheShare, and report harmful content, in support of the victim, and stop the abuse they continue to suffer.
What else is the WCED doing to support anti-bullying?
In addition to the campaigns, the WCED has a cyber-wellness programme that aims to ensure that learners and educators are more aware of their digital footprint and the infinite potential of the cyber world to have both positive and negative impacts.
The WCED has issued several guidelines on e-Safety in schools such as Educating towards responsible and ethical use of ICT in education, Guidelines on Cellular phones and other mobile technologies in public schools, and Guidelines on Social Media and Networking in Public Schools. These and many more can be accessed at:
The WCED has also worked with Google to develop an Online Safety Curriculum Guideline that seeks to teach learners the fundamentals of digital safety and are grade specific. The lessons have been rolled out through the Life Orientation programme.
There are also numerous anti-bullying campaigns at both district and school level and a Positive Behaviour programme that supports positive behaviour and life choices.
The WCED liaises within with safe schools to supplement the services from department-employed psychologists and social workers by working with the Department of Health, Department of Social Development, and NGOs (such as CASE in Hanover Park/Manenberg).
In the case of a more urgent referral, schools, parents, and/or learners may call the WCED Safe Schoold Call Centre 0800 45 46 47 toll free for assistance in locating immediate support.
In addition, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) offers a 24 hour helpline 0800 12 13 14 as well as a suicide emergency number 0800 567 567.
Learners and/or parents can use these numbers if they feel that the child needs immediate assistance (often after school hours).
