SADAG alarmed by rising Mpumalanga bullying cases

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has expressed alarm over a surge in bullying incidents reported in Mpumalanga. Social media has recently been flooded with videos showing learners bullying and physically assaulting one another. As the nation commemorates Anti-Suicide Month, Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, SADAG's project manager for education, warns that bullying can lead to victims committing suicide.

Parbhoo-Seetha notes that bullying is not limited to schools, but also occurs at home, online, and within friend groups. She states that they regularly speak with young people who are grappling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, and a lack of self-worth. Sometimes, bullying is a contributing factor to their depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

Hendriater Mkhaliphi, a social worker at Mpumalanga Childline, urges schools to implement more stringent anti-bullying policies. A mother of a Grade 11 learner at Valencia Combined School in Mbombela has criticized the school for not adequately addressing bullying allegations involving her child. The full report on this matter can be found on the SABC News YouTube channel.