‘Bullying places the victims and the perpetrators at risk of academic and psycho-social challenges which may lead to absenteeism, underperformance, dropping out of school and suicide. Its impact can be felt for decades and bullies are more likely to become involved in criminal activities,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.

The Inter- and Intra-personal Skills Programme was designed by the City’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Substance Abuse Unit, and school principals requested that a bullying component be added.

Learners are taught basic inter-personal and intra-personal skills on the programme, including training in communication, interaction, and general life skills to improve and enhance their ability to interact with peers. The goal of the programme is to improve the self-perception of the learner, build self-esteem, help them be optimistic about their future, teach them perseverance and tolerance of others, manage peer challenges, enhance personal skills and also teaches participants how to express themselves better.

The department employs graduate learners with a background in development, trains them in the programme and then offers the programme at various spaces and City facilities to learners aged 9 to 13 years old. The spaces include, schools, recreation and park facilities, as well as holiday programmes.

The entire programme consists of nine sessions. Each session has a theme and activities aligned to enhance the message. Bullying is presented in the first session with the theme, ‘I am respectful’. Principals often request that the programme be offered to other grades as they have noted learners often relate to the content of the programme and recognise their bullying behaviour.

‘We are currently defining an expansion and roll-out plan to reach more learners. Bullying can have tragic consequences and a lasting impact on everyone affected. The mental health effects of bullying can be felt into adulthood and everyone, from parents to teachers, have a role to play in preventing bullying and ensuring safe environments for children,’ said Alderman Smith.

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