Bullying at Belgravia High: A parent’s fight for her daughter’s safety

Bullying continues to grow at schools across the Western Cape with more parents coming forward.

In the latest incident reported at Belgravia High School in Athlone, the parents of a Grade 9 learner have opened a case of assault after their daughter was slapped in the face by two other children.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, according to research done by the University of Cambridge and the South African Research Council in August with five thousand children between the ages of 11 to 14-years-old at 72 public schools in Cape Town and Durban, over a third (36.3%) of learners were involved in bullying behavior.

A total of 8.2% were bullies, 19.3% victims and 8.7% as bully-victims while male students were most at risk of both perpetration and victimization while younger boys more vulnerable.

The latest incident took place on Monday while the 15-year-old learner was waiting for her scholar transport and was approached by two girls. 

According to the mother, her daughter has been victimised since the start of the school year. 

But in the last month, things have taken a turn for the worse.

She claims that on September 11, her daughter was attacked during a separate incident when a boy in her class swore at her following a disagreement of a photograph.

“The bullying started in Grade 8. My daughter is so fearful," said the mother.

“It was her friend’s birthday and they were taking photos in class when this boy approached her and asked why they were taking photos of him. 

“She explained that they were not taking photos of him. Then he kicked her and swore at her at her."

 The mother said her daughter told her how the boy used slang and began insulting her parent and pulled her and punched her in the back of the head.

The mom confirmed that they had also opened a case with police but that she lost the case number.

She claimed a month ago, another boy at the school posted pictures of her daughter on his Whatsapp status making fun of her appearance and claimed it was a joke.

The family has since begun actively looking for a new school.

The emotional mom said: “I cannot have my child at that school for another year. It is affecting me as much as it is affecting my daughter. I always check up on her during the day to make sure she is safe."

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the circumstances surrounding Monday’s incident are now under investigation.

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said their department has liaised with the school and can confirm the two incidents.

“With regards to the cyberbullying case, the case was referred to the SGB to institute disciplinary procedures. The matter was investigated and a date set for the hearing," she stated.

“Unfortunately, due to challenges in getting hold of the parent, another date has been set which has delayed matters. 

“On the second recent case, the SGB is investigating and disciplinary procedures will follow.”

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