Unite to fight bullying at our schools

My 14-year-old son, who has just started high school, has been a victim of bullying since Grade R. In township schools, it is rare that parents get support in this regard from the staff at school.

I assured my son that we will try to establish a relationship with the principal and teachers.

Some township high schools have violent pupils, and bullying is common. Young children are forced into sex and drugs. Please help me.- Concerned mother

Dear Concerned Mother,

Your situation has to be addressed within the context of the school and its community. Approach the principal and the school governing board chairperson and request a community meeting to discuss anti-social behaviour.

The meeting should be public, attended by officials from the police service, among others. The meeting should call for stronger parental involvement in the school. It should illustrate that the school is a reflection of the ills of its society, which should be addressed to stop more children from suffering. The principal and the school governing body should favour such a meeting because it will anchor support within the community for the school. Once the pupils feel that the community cares about their wellbeing, the perpetrators of anti-social behaviour will slowly be alienated. Bullying, sexual violence, drug abuse ... will stop if parents, teachers and pupils form a partnership that reinforces positive social behaviour.

To get the ball rolling, talk to like-minded parents and community members. Tell them how your life and that of your son has been affected by acts of severe anti-social behaviour.

There is no short cut to solve the problem.