In our first anti-bullying post, we discussed cyberbullying and how “Law For All” defines bullying. We invited Dayna Rowland, COO of the National Centre for Child Protection, for insights about this important topic. Dayna also emphasized the centre’s mission: to be a voice for the voiceless, a support for those in need, and a beacon of hope for those struggling.
In this article, we take the discussion in a different direction.
In South Africa, workplace bullying is alarmingly prevalent—BusinessDay reports it as the third most common form of bullying, with significant mental health implications. Workplace bullying involves behaviors that intimidate, humiliate, or degrade a worker, sometimes publicly, and can come from anyone, from supervisors to peers. This raises an essential question: Are there safe and effective avenues to report such behavior?
Read: Breaking the Mental Health Stigma Together
To wrap up, we asked Dayna about the most effective ways to address bullying in schools and workplaces:
“Each organization and school should have a code of conduct that clearly outlines the reporting process for bullying. It’s crucial to encourage individuals to report such behavior, as it could make a profound difference, even saving lives,” Dayna advises. “Schools and workplaces can always contact our National Child Protection Hotline at 076 900 7151 for support.”
Bullying leaves a lasting impact, affecting both victims and perpetrators. Victims may struggle with anxiety and depression, impacting various aspects of their lives, while perpetrators risk developing long-term aggressive behaviors, relationship issues, and legal consequences. Combating bullying requires empathy and open dialogue to foster safer, more supportive environments.
We encourage young people to seek support and guidance—no one should face challenges alone. Here’s everything you need to know about our free counseling service.
The views expressed herein are those of the writer and podcasters, not I Am Youth.
I Am Youth web radio is the go-to platform for today’s young adults. Our team of young, charismatic influencers is based in South Africa. We produce high-quality content on TikTok social media and YouTube. Our primary goal is to infiltrate the spaces that young people already occupy.
