The education department in the Free State has launched a No Racism, Bullying and Anti-Social Behaviour campaign at schools after alleged incidents of racism, bullying and assault at schools in the province.
Speaking at the launch of the No Racism, Bullying and Anti-Social Behaviour campaign as HTS Louis Botha Technical High School, the Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule urged parents to take accountability and responsibility as they raise their children.
The launch of the campaign in the Motheo District comes after reports of violence and discriminatory behaviour took place at schools across the Free State. Some cases reported learner on learner violence which in some instances lead to learners killing other learners.
The campaign aims to discourage acts of racism and bullying and empower principals and Student Governing Body (SGB) members on how to deal with these issues at schools through learner discipline.
MS Mokgobo from the Department of Basic Education said that SGB members will be engaged in how to manage and deal with the offences by learners so that they are able to support all learners in the school environment.
Dr Mhaule says this school safety campaign will also provide teachers and parents with the necessary skills to respond effectively to incidences of bullying.
She says the campaign will highlight the negative impact of bullying which leads to depression, anxiety, low academic performance, absenteeism and eventually school drop outs.
On the effects of bullying Dr Mhaule said:
It destroys the future of our children.
She believes that the fight against bullying is ongoing and that it needs everyone’s attention.
