Bullying is often a reality of life at schools, and in many workplaces. In the school setting, the most challenging cases principals deal with are verbal, psychological and cyber bullying. Therefore, it is vital to create an awareness of what constitutes bullying and this should be thoroughly embedded in the whole school curriculum. Living as we do in a multicultural society, perceptions of what constitutes bullying may be very different. Also, schools should adopt a “zero tolerance” bullying policy with consequences clearly laid out.
There is a social hierarchy on the playground, it can appear a happy place to the untrained observer. But cast your eyes over to a group of students talking and laughing and make no mistake, those teenagers can be cruel to one another. Cliques develop. The gossip can be malicious. Being verbal, the duty teacher often has no idea of what goes on.
Today, the world of social media is a fertile ground in which cyberbullying has taken root. Pictures and gossip can be circulated virally and, once they are out, are impossible to halt. To the untrained observer all that you would see is a child looking at the cellphone, apparently doing little.
It is difficult to catch bullies in the act, and the hurt lasts much longer than the pain of a punch from the physical bully. Schools have to evolve their bullying awareness programmes to discuss responsible digital behaviour and educate children and parents about the consequences.
The author is Principal, Taaleem’s Greenfield Community School
