Social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok, amongst others, are breeding grounds for perpetrators to launch their cyber attacks. The issue of cyberbullying amongst children has once again come under the spotlight, especially as the month of May is commemorated as child protection month.
PICTURE: PixabayParents are advised to check their child’s phone regularly,
following a cyberbullying incident at a school in Mitchell’s Plain.
It is understood that a group of Grade 7 learners at
Portland Primary School started a WhatsApp group and invited their friends from
other schools to join. It is alleged that a learner from another school, who
allegedly calls himself as ’the hacker’, threatened one of the learners in the
group, for posting unsavoury images of the learners on the chat.
‘’When the principal became aware of the group and the
alleged threat. She contacted the police, who advised her that the parent of
the learners concerned should report the matter,’’ said Millicent Merton,
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson.
In a school letter, principal Elanor Braff, alleges that
some of the learners at the school were also threatened that they will be
beaten up after school.
‘’These learners were also sending private messages to some
of the girls… Parents you are reminded to monitor what is happening on your
children’s phone regularly. These incidents happen on your watch outside of
school time and learners end up emotional on a Monday morning at school.’’
SCHOOL LETTER FROM PORTLAND PRIMARY SCHOOLAccording to Merton, the school discussed cyberbullying and
the use of cellphones with parents and learners on a previous occasion ‘’and
will continue to do so.’’
Done By: Mitchum George
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