An anti-bullying campaign driven by the Western Cape Education Department was launched last week. #StopTheShare is especially focused on how to curb cyberbullying.
Western Cape MEC for Education Debbie Schäfer said the campaign was started in memory of Lufuno Mavhunga. The Grade 10 learner, from Limpopo allegedly committed suicide last year after a video clip of her being hit by another learner went viral on social media.
“Unfortunately there are many other learners, such as Lufuno in our province and across the country who are victims of bullying at school, in their community and on social media,” Schäfer pointed out. “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.”
She added that the use of social media can heighten risks, such depression, anxiety, self-harm and even suicide. Through this campaign the department wants to reach out to everyone, and not only learners. #StopTheShare encourage social media users to not use the platform with any malicious intentions, such as bullying and spreading harmful content. In addition, the campaign also educates everyone on how to stop a harmful post from being shared elsewhere.
“As an education awareness campaign, the WCED has created resources that highlight the harm we do by simply liking, sharing, or commenting on a harmful post. We have also created a set of online videos to show learners and the general public, exactly how to #StopTheShare for this type of harmful content.”
Schäfer further encourages learners to contact WCED Safe Schools if they are developing mental-health problems. Schools and parents can also reach out if they notice that learners need assistance from a psychologist.
The toll-free call centre number is 080 045 4647.
During the recent school holidays Safe Schools had a three-day holiday programme with Grade 8 and Grade 9 learners at Klein Nederburg Secondary School in Paarl. It touched on topics such as cyberbullying, gender-based violence, drug abuse, gangs and suicide.
Lehandra “Lee” Williams of Safe Schools facilitated the programme together with various role players such as the Paarl East police and child welfare.
According to the department’s website Safe Schools works in partnership with local police and community organisations such as neighbourhood watches and Community Policing Forums, and can be reached at 0800 45 46 47.
For more information on #StopTheShare visit https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/anti-bullying.
