Staff Reporter
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is determined to address the bullying and violence which may have been behind the reasons for children taking their own lives at schools.
Alarmed by the statistic that about 40 pupils from Gauteng schools took their own lives in the past year, Chiloane announced plans to work with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group to reduce suicide among pupils.
“As the department, we are devastated by these deaths and believe those numbers constitute far too many young lives that have been taken away from their families, friends and our schools before reaching their full potential. We pledge our solidarity and support to the families and friends that were befallen by these tragic, premature deaths,” said the MEC.
Acknowledging that children at schools may be subject to various challenges such as depression, bullying, violence and online abuse, the MEC said providing solutions to help them was imperative.
Therefore, the department has engaged 500 learner support agents to help establish early warning mechanisms and give peer counselling to support 1 200 schools. An additional 120 social workers will assist with the risk assessment of learners; 500 Ke Moja coaches will assist with substance abuse awareness; and popularise the Childline toll-free number [116] to provide counselling services free of charge for learners and educators.
He said they would also implement additional measures through a partnership with the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance; the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag); Childline; the Teddy Bear Foundation; and the National Association of Child and Youth Care Workers to help pupils and teachers deal with challenges that may lead to suicide or suicidal ideation.
“Our talks with learners and their parents will also focus on debunking common suicide myths, raising awareness about the kind of language to use when referring to suicide, and general advice on dealing with people displaying suicidal signs.”
“There are more actions that will be implemented to improve school safety and learner wellbeing. These will be priority actions around which crucial resources and communities will be mobilised,” he said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
