Learners stand up against cyberbullying and embrace mental health issues
2 June 2023
About 500 learners from schools in the Metro East Education District attended an indaba on mental health issues and cyberbullying.
The event on Saturday, 13 May 2023 at Kuils River Technical High School, was organized by the education psychologists in the Inclusive Specialised Learner and Educator Support component.
It started on an exuberant note with a fast-paced drumming session facilitated by Jonathan Mouwers of Back to Basics. Mouers had learners on their feet and rocking to the beat while committing to create awareness about cyberbullying and doing their part to put an end to it.
Dr Hugo Theron, a clinical psychologist, talked to learners about their digital footprint and the devastating effects of cyberbullying. He told learners that they have the power and responsibility to put an end to cyberbullying and shared practical steps they can take. "Ask to see your school’s cyberbullying protocol. If someone is rude to you, don't be rude to them, be better." Theron emphasized the role of the bystander. " If you keep quiet, you serve the bully and you act against the victim. There is no neutrality when it comes to cyberbullying."
Learners were encouraged to report cases of cyberbullying, either to adults or the administrators of social media platforms. “You've got to act. Remember the golden rule: do to other people exactly what you want them to do to you. Don't post anything that you are not willing to let people see on a billboard with your name to it. Stand up for others. Be an upstander and not a bystander.”
Nomfundo Ralanta did a presentation on cyberbullying safety and Gideon Coetzee facilitated a session on mental health.
Nande Mjeza, a Grade 12 learner at Thembelihle Secondary School, said he was glad that he attended the indaba. “Children are suffering because of cyberbullying. It is very painful, and some children may quit school or kill themselves because of it.”
Hannah Mullins, a Grade 10 learner at Protea Heights Academy, encouraged learners to educate themselves about cyberbullying. “Instead of keeping quiet, you should speak out about it and try to put an end to cyberbullying.”
The senior psychologist in the Metro East Education District, Thembisa France, said they were thrilled with the attendance and the enthusiastic response of learners. She added that they hope that the learners will take the information to their school assemblies.
The WCED made resources available to ensure that learners and educators are cognizant of their digital footprint and the infinite potential of the cyber world, both positively and negatively. Visit https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/elearning/elearning-cyber-wellness for more information.
