STELLALANDER-VRYBURG: From playgrounds to WhatsApp groups, school corridors to social media platforms, bullying is leaving deep emotional wounds on South Africa’s youth and the damage is far more severe than bruises and name-calling.
Once dismissed as a “rite of passage,” bullying has now become a national crisis that schools, families and government structures can no longer ignore.
According to current estimates, nearly 40% of South African schoolchildren face some form of bullying, including emotional, verbal and physical abuse. Even more alarming is that one in three teenagers have been subjected to cyberbullying. These attacks often extend beyond school hours and follow children into the supposed safety of their homes, relentless and inescapable. “We’re not just dealing with playground fights anymore,” says Dr Alicia Porter, board member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP). “We’re seeing anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. When bullying is compounded by online shaming, the psychological scars can last a lifetime.” Modern bullying has moved online, where voice notes, edited images, group chat exclusions, and public humiliation on platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram have taken the place of fists and slurs. These tactics often leave victims feeling completely isolated and powerless. “Children are suffering in silence,” Dr Porter says. “They often endure repeated trauma before finally speaking out. By then, the emotional damage is entrenched, from low self-esteem and anxiety to poor academic performance and social withdrawal.” Research shows that the impact of bullying lingers well into adulthood, manifesting as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trust issues, relationship difficulties, and long-term mental health struggles. “These are not just bad childhood memories,” Dr Porter explains. “They are deep-rooted psychological injuries. We often treat adults who still carry the trauma of bullying decades later.” While both boys and girls are affected, the nature of bullying often differs. Boys tend to face physical bullying, while girls are more likely to be victims of verbal or relational bullying, such as exclusion or gossip. But the lines are increasingly blurred, with many children experiencing a combination of both. Dr Porter adds that in the South African context, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status can also play a role, especially in diverse school environments. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds may be more vulnerable to bullying and social exclusion. “Bullying behaviour rarely exists in isolation,” says Dr Porter. “Children who bully are often struggling themselves, with trauma, neglect, or instability at home.” Others may bully to assert control, mask deep insecurity, or gain social status in peer groups. Peer pressure and group dynamics often worsen the problem. “It only takes one instigator,” she explains. “But once others join in, bullying becomes a performance, and schools are often not equipped to stop it.” South African legislation does provide protection for children. Section 6 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) and the South African Schools Act (1996) mandate that schools develop and enforce anti-bullying codes of conduct. However, implementation remains inconsistent, particularly in rural or under-resourced areas. “While some urban schools have introduced structured anti-bullying programs, many schools, especially those in poorer communities, lack the resources, training, or support to properly address the issue,” says Dr Porter. To address bullying effectively, Dr Porter says a multi-layered, systemic approach is necessary, one that involves the school environment, the home, and national policy structures. Schools must: Promote emotional literacy and empathy through values-based education. Investigate all bullying allegations openly and transparently. Offer counselling or refer victims to professional mental health support. Provide rehabilitation, not just punishment, for perpetrators. Use restorative justice practices where suitable. Train teachers in trauma-informed interventions. National recommendations include: Implementing unified anti-bullying legislation across all provinces. Increasing investment in school-based mental health services. Running public awareness campaigns to destigmatise seeking help. Strengthening collaboration between the Departments of Basic Education, Social Development, and Health. “This is a crisis hiding in plain sight,” Dr Porter warns. “The emotional violence of bullying is as real and devastating as any physical injury. Without urgent, compassionate intervention, we are failing our children and compromising their futures.” The time to act is now with empathy, awareness, and a united front to protect South Africa’s learners.
