Why ignoring bullying is like bandaging a deep wound: the scars run deeper
Even more alarming: one in three South African teenagers is a victim of cyberbullying, where group chats, doctored photos and social media shaming extend humiliation far beyond the school gates, leaving no safe space.
Once brushed off as a 'rite of passage,' bullying now affects an estimated 40% of school-going children, according to research from the Department of Basic Education.
In playgrounds, WhatsApp groups and school corridors across South Africa, bullying isn't just a playground drama; it's a silent crisis reshaping children's mental health, social life and future relationships.
'We're not just dealing with bruises anymore,' warns Dr Alicia Porter, psychiatrist and board member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP).
Porter adds, 'Children become anxious, depressed, and sometimes even suicidal. The psychological wounds often last far longer than the physical ones.'
Children who are bullied often hide what's happening, only speaking out after repeated trauma. What's left behind is deep: loss of self-esteem, academic decline, social withdrawal and sometimes self-harm.
Porter says the real tragedy is that these aren't just childhood memories.
'We see adults still haunted by bullying decades later, struggling with trust issues, PTSD, anxiety and relationship challenges. These are psychological injuries, not just stories from the past.'
A 2022 study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children who are frequently bullied have double the risk of developing clinical depression by adulthood. That's a generational wound, and it's one South Africa can't afford to ignore.
The different faces of bullying
While bullying cuts across gender, age and race, Porter explains that the forms it takes can differ:
Boys often experience physical bullying, such as shoving, fighting or threats.
Girls are more likely to face relational bullying, exclusion, name-calling and malicious rumours.
But lines blur fast. Emotional bullying leaves scars just as deep as physical bruises, and many kids experience both.
Right here at home, bullying can also mirror broader social issues: children from different races, ethnicities or socioeconomic backgrounds often find themselves targeted, particularly in multi-ethnic or under-resourced schools.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
4 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
New Brighton's chess mentor to children proves anything's possible ‘with the right moves'
Mike Pantsi's chess initiative at Indlela Mental Health in New Brighton, Gqeberha, is transforming young lives. In the golden light of a quiet afternoon in Gqeberha's New Brighton township, a cluster of wooden chess sets occupies a sunlit corner in a tiny container classroom. Mike Pantsi, a man often described as a community renaissance figure, presides over the small board with quiet authority. Around him, youngsters with intellectual disabilities lean forward, deep in thought – or delight. Pantsi wears too many hats to fit neatly into any box. Years ago, in the wake of a personal tragedy, the loss of his only child, he made a solemn vow to continue nurturing his community's children as if they were his own. 'They are mine too,' he says simply. It was this heartfelt resolve that led him to Indlela Mental Health, a nonprofit organisation in Gqeberha, after weeks of research. This landmark organisation was established in 1939 to serve those with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, and not discriminating against any person. Indlela provides inclusive, community‑based services ranging from social inclusion awareness campaigns and therapeutic support through its Ilizwi initiative, to residential psychosocial rehabilitation through the Siyaphambili initiative. Youth skills development takes place through its Masakhane initiative. Pantsi has partnered with the organisation by offering his chess lessons as an extracurricular class to pupils at Indlela. Each week he plays chess with a group of pupils while others continue their agricultural and woodworking activities. What started as Pantsi's dream of bringing an outdoor chess programme to young people has blossomed into a quiet revolution. 'I had never worked with learners with disabilities, but their bright minds were calling me,' he says. What he found exceeded every expectation: growing skill at the game, impressive focus and, most importantly, bold confidence. In the South African context especially, vulnerable young black children need confidence. 'That's why chess has black and white pieces, promoting social cohesion and social inclusion, because only when these pieces move together strategically can life move easily,' Pantsi says. Sport unifies people, especially those who once were segregated. But it is important, Pantsi stresses, that everyone understands the rules of the game. Sanchia Matthysen, who runs Indlela Mental Health and supplies the chess boards, applauds Pantsi's initiative. 'Chess places each player on level ground. It promotes inclusivity. Despite learning disabilities the learners are fully part of the game – and part of the community.' She says it gives the children confidence to think through their moves, recognising that each choice has both consequences and the potential to change the trajectory of the whole game. 'You don't need riches to play,' she adds. 'A board can be homemade. And because many children are sensitive to noise, chess also helps them to relax and focus – and get off their phones.' Pupil reflections Bukho Bongela (19) admits he first joined the programme for the food. 'But after a few lessons I realised chess is like life: every move must be balanced and considered with the end in mind.' Amahle Nzwaku (19), the group's only young woman, describes the pieces as family: mother, father, children, spiritual guide. 'Children, like pawns, often find themselves in the firing line. But you can still make moves that protect and preserve hope.' Pantsi adds that some pawns are able to transcend a barrier. 'Just like how some children are born from poor households but end up achieving great success, anything is possible with the right moves.' Another important life lesson Pantsi is adamant the pupils must be taught, especially the young men, is the protection of women. 'In chess, a queen is protected, and that is something they need to grasp, especially because they are easily exposed to gender-based violence. They need to know that it is wrong and that a woman is a queen – no harm must come her way.' Khazimla Vusani (19), whose experience of chess started with playing on a phone app, was sceptical about switching to a physical board. 'But I was wrong, the real thing is better. No distractions, no pop‑ups, just clear thinking.' Lusindiso Makapela (17) and Anelisa Mnguni (16), speaking with the consent of their parents, say they wish that every young person could experience chess: the joy, power and freedom it brings. Pantsi's chess initiative demonstrates how small acts rooted in compassion can ripple out into lasting transformation. In the little classroom, and sometimes in the shade of a tree, with pieces clicked into place and laughter mingling with concentration, there is more than a game being played – it's a quiet rebuilding of hope, skill and community. And Indlela's mission to unlock potential through inclusive, rights‑based mental health services and skills development finds fertile ground in the chessboard's criss‑cross pattern of possibilities. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
The Citizen
18 hours ago
- The Citizen
Beyond stress: Understanding and preventing burnout before It breaks you
Burnout is not just a buzzword, it is a silent epidemic that is eroding wellbeing, productivity and quality of life among the workforce, and high achievers appear to be especially at risk. A clinical psychologist and occupational therapist of Netcare Akeso Umhlanga's Centre of Psychotherapy Excellence (COPE) team unpacks the troubling consequences of unmanaged chronic work stress, emphasising that prevention is always better than rebuilding after crises. 'Burnout is a state of exhaustion – physically, emotionally and mentally – caused by excessive and continued stress. The three main characteristics of burnout are exhaustion, cynicism – which is a negative or detached attitude – and decreased motivation and productivity over a sustained period,' explains Claudia van Blerk, Netcare Akeso Umhlanga COPE Manager and occupational therapist. The World Health Organisation recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon, rather than a medical diagnosis. The Gallup State of the Global Workplace 2025 Report noted a six point decrease in South African employee engagement levels, with less than a quarter (23%) of respondents feeling engaged at work, and more than a third (36%) reporting daily stress, both key components observed in people suffering from burnout. Very often, people on the verge of burnout may notice that the same tasks take much longer to complete than before, and even putting in additional working hours often does not translate into achieving what was previously manageable within working hours. Burnout symptoms may include: • Fatigue • Decreased effectiveness in daily tasks • Frequent physical illnesses or injuries • Negative thoughts • Low mood • Lack of motivation 'Burnout may trigger or worsen mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Also, burnout that is prolonged or not addressed can very quickly lead to exacerbation of anxiety and depressive-related symptoms,' adds clinical psychologist Vashnie Sithambaram. 'These may include, but are not limited to, depressed mood, low motivation, isolation, negative thoughts, constantly feeling on edge or worrying, easily triggered by situations in the environment, as well as psychosomatic symptoms, such as body aches or flu-like symptoms.' She explains that psychosomatic symptoms refer to physical symptoms that are induced by emotional distress, further compromising a person's ability to meet the demands of their daily life. 'If we look at burnout from a systemic point of view, it has a ripple effect. No person exists in isolation, and eventually, the burnout symptoms can cause a person to become disconnected from those around them. Often, this can lead to interpersonal challenges and even conflicts, further exacerbating the situation.' How long does it take to recover from burnout? 'There is no defined recovery period for burnout, as this is unique to the individual and may depend on various factors,' Sithambaram says. These factors may be determined by asking the following questions: • How long have the burnout symptoms been present? • Does the person consistently find themselves in situations that require them to work under stress? • Is the person seeking therapeutic assistance? Some therapies can be short-term, and others may require long-term work to address underlying issues that could increase a person's vulnerability to developing burnout in the future. Van Blerk adds that once the point of burnout has been reached, it can be difficult to manage or recover without external intervention. 'In-patient treatment may be recommended, as the multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists and occupational therapists, can help address the underlying concerns holistically. 'Both group and individual sessions are beneficial for people recovering from burnout, although initially it may seem daunting to engage. We find that encouraging participation as much as possible is essential to getting the best out of admission for burnout and the resources available,' she says. 'Some typical therapy goals that we work towards in recovery from burnout include developing coping skills, identifying triggers, helping to change negative thought patterns and treating mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression and others that can either contribute to burnout or be exacerbated by chronic stress,' she says. 'Once a person has been discharged from in-hospital care, it is vital to continue care on an individual outpatient basis after discharge. Family sessions could also help address underlying triggers or issues that have developed due to the burnout symptoms,' Van Blerk says. Sithambaram urges working people to consider their work-life balance as a wellbeing priority to prevent burnout from developing. Psychologist's tips for protecting against burnout • Surround yourself with a strong support system, both at work and among your friends and family. • Don't skip self-care activities: Take time to rest, enjoy activities that bring out your creative side, exercise, spend quality time with family, and set aside solo time for hobbies and journaling. • Take care of your physical health and wellbeing, as this directly impacts your mental health and ability to cope with the demands of everyday life. • Time management: Prioritise what is important and tackle the difficult tasks first to avoid procrastination and reduce the constant worry about work not completed • Seek professional support if needed. Netcare Akeso's crisis helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0861 435 787. Call to speak with an experienced counsellor and explore options for assistance. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is also available to assist on 0800 205 026 or 011 234 4837.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Cyber bullying: deadly mental health crisis in SA schools
Bullying at South Africa's schools is no longer just about dealing with bruises. The advent of social media brings a whole new facet of bullying and pupils' mental health. SOUTH Africa's schoolchildren are in the grip of a mental health crisis, with many turning to suicide and self-harm to cope with emotional pain. The cause, experts say, is bullying, which has reached epidemic levels. Reports suggest that between 40% and 75% of pupils fall victim to it at some stage. One organisation says the situation is so dire that at least 11 children take their own lives each day. Dr Alicia Porter, a board member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP), says bullying can also intersect with race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds more likely to experience bullying in diverse, multi-ethnic environments. 'We're not just dealing with bruises anymore,' says Porter. 'I work with children and families, and there's just been such a significant increase," she says. "Before, bullying would be contained just in that environment. But with this now intersecting with the digital space, things can go viral at the click of a button, and once it's out there, you might delete it, but it cannot stop the spread.' Porter refers to a study by the Children's Institute, which found that 40% of school-going children in the country have experienced some form of bullying. She says primary and high school pupils are anxious, depressed, and in some cases suicidal. When bullying is compounded by digital shame, the psychological damage can be lifelong. 'It's no longer limited to fists and name-calling; voice notes, group chat exclusions, photo manipulation and public shaming via platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp and TikTok create humiliation that leaves the child feeling even more vulnerable and helpless. For many victims, there's no escape.' Porter warns that bullying has led to increased rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, and even suicide. 'It's like almost a pandemic of unkindness that has been unleashed,' she says. 'Kids are making videos of kids being bullied, and while that sort of exposes what happened, we never really think about the victim and the shame and what that might do to their mental health.' More worrying, says Porter, is that schools often don't have clear or consistent ways of dealing with bullies, or even policies in place. 'So oftentimes, the victim is further traumatised by interacting with the school system, and then they're made to feel even worse, they are made to blame, or they're not taken seriously.' She recalls one case in which a school decided a 10-year-old child who had been bullied must be sent to a hospital for 21 days. Bullying, she says, is one of the main reasons why children self-harm. 'They're in distress so they cut themselves. They don't want to go to school, or their marks start to suffer, or you see a change in their behaviour. So we react to the behaviour without really understanding what might be the underlying reason.' The trauma doesn't end when a child leaves school, but follows them into adulthood, she warns. 'Mental health issues don't start in adulthood. You start developing risk factors in childhood,' Porter says, calling it a 'silent, seeping wound.' But while the victim is traumatised, the bully often needs help too. 'Bullies are also victims of trauma, neglect, or violence at home,' says Porter. 'They target those they perceive to be weaker to elevate their social standing and to fit in.' Children from disadvantaged communities, or who face differences in race and ethnicity, are especially vulnerable. Girls and boys are both at risk, but the forms of bullying differ. 'With boys, it's definitely more overt. So they are more victims of physical bullying, verbal bullying. Whereas with girls, it's a lot more subtle — exclusion, name-calling, spreading rumours, isolating them. Girls are more likely to be targets of relational or verbal bullying.' Porter doesn't believe banning digital devices is the answer. 'We're going to need to learn how to navigate rather than just take it away, because what does that do? It just buys us maybe a little bit of time. The digital age has arrived, and as parents, it's uncharted territory. We can't phone a friend or your grandma and ask her, how did you do this? We're making up the rules as we go along, but we do need to make up rules. But we haven't — and so it's kind of exploded.' She says most of her patient referrals come from teachers and has advocated for them to be trained to handle bullying and mental health issues. 'It only takes one child to lead the charge, but peer pressure turns cruelty into performance,' she says. Despite laws protecting children, many schools lack consistent policies, training, or accountability, particularly in rural or under-resourced areas. 'This is a crisis hiding in plain sight,' warns Porter. 'The emotional violence of bullying is as real as any physical wound. And unless we intervene now with urgency, compassion and a commitment to justice, we are failing an entire generation.' Danie van Loggerenberg, CEO of the National Centre for Child Protection (NCCP), says mental health complications among children are the highest they've ever been. 'Eleven children die by suicide every day,' he says. According to van Loggerenberg, up to 83% of pupils will be bullied at some stage, and because children often feel they have no one to turn to, many are turning to ChatGPT for help. He says bullying has evolved into a digital battlefield, with children creating 'shade rooms' and 'channels' on WhatsApp where they run polls on who is 'hot or not', complete with victims' photos. Their research shows that 160,000 children skip school every day because of bullying. About 90% of bullying is child-on-child, and boys are more likely to be physically violent, while girls can be far more cruel. 'That's why you won't get a movie called Mean Boys — only Mean Girls,' he says. Adeshini Naicker, Director of Childline KZN, says while physical bullying is more common in primary school, emotional and psychological abuse, including cyberbullying, intensifies in high school. 'With the rise of social media, emotional bullying now extends beyond the classroom, making it harder to escape and more damaging over time. Effective prevention needs to start early, involve schools, parents, and communities, and address both physical and emotional forms of harm,' says Naicker. The Department of Education could not be reached for comment.
