Tighter security a way to combat bullying – expert
A UKZN professor of education says beefing up security would be one way to combat bullying in schools.
He has been commenting on an alleged bullying case reported at a high school in King Cesthwayo District on the north coast.
A Grade 11 pupil claimed, in a video published on TikTok, that she was being victimised by a fellow pupil at Mpephose High School.
She has since opened a criminal case.
The boy has been moved to another school.
ALSO READ: Disciplinary process underway amid bullying claims at King Cetshwayo school
UKZN's Professor Vimolan Mudaly says parents can also play a role in boosting security.
"I think the idea of bringing in parents who were unemployed to simply be present in the school, not as police but present to walk around to and stand in particular areas."
He says more conversations are needed to raise awareness about bullying.
"Schools must convene some kind of meeting with learners and parents where they try to talk about empathy for example, caring, respect and safety for each other and try to enforce the idea that we should be working together and not against each other."
He says, teachers found to be intimidating pupils must also be held accountable.
"If they are found negligent in the way they behave towards learners, they can actually be dismissed or punished in a particular way."
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