UNICEF: Violence against children often leads to bullying by kids
Updated | By Anastasi Mokgobu
The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) deputy representative in South Africa Muriel Mafico believes violence against children often contributes to bullying.
Mafico was speaking in a webinar looking at the impact of cyberbullying on the youth.
This comes in the wake of a court case involving a Limpopo teenager who was arrested last week for assaulting a fellow pupil at the Mbilwi Secondary School in Thohoyandou.
The incident resulted in the 15-year-old Lufuno Mavhunga taking her own life, sparking outrage and re-igniting a debate about bullying in schools.
Mafico said the statistics have shown that most children in South Africa experienced violence at their young age.
“We need to view cyberbullying within a wider context of violence and understand the connections that happen between the cyberspace and the physical spaces that we are accustomed to, so in the South African case and indeed globally violence against children is perversive and South Africa is no exception.
“We have seen statistics that one in three children in South Africa experience some form of violence before they turn eighteen, and often it takes place in places that are supposed to be safe, places like schools, home and community.”
She added the government need to ensure the safety of children.
“There is a growing reality of violence occurring online, including cyberbullying and harassment that happens on a daily basis. While we acknowledge the technology and opportunities it brings, it is also clear that these same tools may increase exposure to risks for children
In South Africa sadly bullying and harassment has become a regular feature.
“If we want to have impact, we really need to empower our children and we need to make sure that they have access to information that is empowering them.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Pinky Kekana said South Africa is a nation subsumed by violence and hate.
“It is safe to say we are a nation subsumed by violence and hate and this is why I plead with you as adults we have to do better, be better and be intentional in our roles to deal with cyberbullying.
“It is also important to teach children about how to stand up and deal with bullies, there is a rule that we must teach our children so they become responsible digital citizens, if you cannot say it in someone’s face don’t post it.”
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