IT is estimated that more than 50% of school going learners between the ages of 13 and 18 experience bullying at some point in school. This is a frightening statement which Despatch Preparatory School has decided not to tolerate.
“We initiated an Anti-Bully Week at our school in which we strived to help learners and parents alike to identify a bully, the actions of a bully and how to deal with a bully,” said Madeléne Sachse, principal at Despatch Preparatory School.
Activities were done in small groups throughout the week. These activities were age appropriate and focused on different aspects in the vicious cycle of bullying.
The Grade R and 1 learners watched a puppet show in which they were able to identify the bully and his/her actions. They saw how the learners reacted and what subsequently happened to the bully.
Grade 2s did the Wrinkled Wanda activity, showing how the bad things being said and done to another cannot be erased or taken away completely. The Grade 3 learners learnt though practical activities, that it is necessary to stand together against bullies.
“We believe that we will only be successful in our endeavour if we include the community,” said Sachse.
Therefore the school compiled a “Survival Guide for Parents” on how to deal with bullying.
“In this guide parents are informed on how to understand the meaning of bullying, the types of bullying, how to identify whether their child is being bullied and how to help.
“Although we spent a lot of time on this Anti-Bully week, this will be an on-going effort from our side to keep our learners and communities educated, safe and happy,” said Sachse. – HEILIE COMBRINCK
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