By Emily Setona
BETHLEHEM – Fear, silence and emotional trauma are becoming daily realities for many learners as bullying continues to spread through schools, leaving countless children suffering quietly behind classroom walls.
The growing crisis took centre stage at Bodikela Junior School on Monday when the Office of the Executive Mayor, Tseki Tseki, joined several government departments for an anti-bullying awareness campaign focused on violence, substance abuse and learner safety.
Although officials warned strongly against crime and drugs, the campaign’s most emotional moments came as speakers revealed the devastating impact bullying is having on children’s lives and futures.
Community Development representative Malefu Mazibuko said bullying is crushing learners emotionally and academically.
“Bullying has caused some learners to lose hope completely,” said Mazibuko. “Some children stop participating in class, others no longer want to attend school, and some eventually drop out because they feel isolated and unsafe.”
Representing the mayor, Jabulani Sibisi said schools should never become places of fear and intimidation.
“Every child deserves to feel safe at school,” Sibisi said.
“We cannot allow bullying to rob learners of their confidence, education and future.”
Learners were urged to report intimidation, violence and abuse instead of suffering in silence, with stakeholders stressing that silence often protects bullies while victims continue to battle emotional pain and declining school performance.
Mr Mabote from the Department of Correctional Services described bullying as a dangerous social disease spreading rapidly among young people.“Bullying spreads like a virus,” he said.
“Most learners come to school to build a future, but a small group destroys the learning environment for others.”
He also warned learners against drug abuse and criminal behaviour, saying poor choices at a young age could permanently damage their futures.
“A criminal record can destroy your future before it even begins,” Mabote warned.
Zanele Mbhele from the Department of Social Development reminded learners that children under the age of 18 can still face arrest for criminal offences, while Ms Ella Nokane from the Thuthuzela Care Centre encouraged victims of sexual abuse to report incidents immediately in order to receive counselling and medical assistance.
Acting Principal Mr Gift Ndleleni said the school has already introduced stricter measures to fight substance abuse, including mandatory drug testing.
“We want learners to focus on their education and feel protected at school,” Ndleleni said.
The anti-bullying campaign will continue across schools in Dihlabeng Local Municipality, but Monday’s engagement exposed a deeper crisis confronting many communities — children silently battling humiliation, fear and emotional suffering while trying to pursue an education.
