22/10/2025
💬 Let’s Talk About the Recent Bullying Video
A video involving a bullying incident has been circulating across social media, sparking a wave of harsh comments and anger.
I understand the emotions, but I want to take a moment to encourage everyone to be mindful and informed about a few important facts.
🧒 Everyone in the video is a minor.
Some may be perpetrators, others victims — but all are children.
Under our laws, every minor has a right to an education.
⚠️ Stop and think before you share.
While you may be reposting the video to raise awareness or show support for the victim, remember that by doing so, we are exposing that victim even further.
Each share means more people see their face, their pain, and their trauma.
Ask yourself:
👉 Is this really what the victim would want?
👉 Or are we, perhaps unintentionally, sharing it to add our own opinions to the conversation?
🏫 Schools must follow procedure — and act swiftly.
Schools are required to take immediate action when incidents like this occur.
However, they are often perceived as not taking action because many steps depend on guidance and feedback from the Department of Education.
While schools can begin internal processes based on their code of conduct, they must still await final direction from the Department before certain measures can be implemented.
This can make it seem like nothing is happening, when in fact, the process is underway behind the scenes.
And note If a learner is expelled from one school, the Department of Education is required to place them in another. Not sure this is always the answer.
🤔 Let’s reflect instead of react.
Before judging too quickly, let’s ask ourselves:
What led these children to think such actions were acceptable?
Could they have been exposed to violence or bullying themselves?
How can we address the environments that allow these behaviors to grow?
👫 Every child deserves safety and guidance.
Our goal should be to hold them accountable and help them learn.
Anger alone won’t change what happened — understanding and prevention will.
And while consequences are necessary, expulsion may not always be the answer.
We must look deeper at the root causes — social, emotional, and environmental — that contribute to these behaviors, and focus on long-term solutions that prevent them from happening again.
🌱 So how can we, as a community, make a difference?
✅ Start conversations about empathy, respect, and conflict resolution — both at home and in schools.
✅ Report bullying early — speak up when you see warning signs.
✅ Let's look at Anonymous Reporting Options - anonymous “report boxes”, or digital platforms (like an online form or school app) where learners can describe what happened without revealing their identity. This helps those who are afraid of retaliation.
✅ Provide talks, counseling and Supportive Services
✅ Create safe spaces for learners to share and heal.
✅ Model the behavior we want our children to learn.
💙 Let’s work together to build a culture where bullying has no place, and every child — victim or perpetrator — has the chance to grow into a better, kinder person.
