Life Orientation Grade 12 Project
Human Rights Violations: Addressing Cyberbullying in South African
Schools
ACTIVITY 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Role of the Community in Contributing to Cyberbullying
Some adults do not understand the dangers of cyberbullying, so they don't take it seriously.
Communities also do not always talk about or teach online safety, which means young
people do not know how to protect themselves. This leads to more learners becoming
victims.
1.2 Legal Frameworks in South Africa Addressing Cyberbullying
- The Children’s Act protects children from all types of abuse, including online abuse.
- The Protection from Harassment Act helps victims get protection orders against people
who are bullying or threatening them online.
1.3 Impact of Cyberbullying on a Learner’s Academic Performance
Cyberbullying can make learners lose focus in class and affect their motivation to learn.
They may start avoiding school to escape the bullying, which leads to poor attendance and
low marks. It can also cause anxiety and depression, which negatively affects how well they
do in school.
1.4 Effects of Cyberbullying on a Learner’s Mental Well-being
Cyberbullying can make learners feel sad, scared, or alone. It can lower their confidence and
make them feel like they are not good enough. In serious cases, it can lead to depression,
self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. This shows how badly it can affect a learner's mental health.
ACTIVITY 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Define the Term Cyber Savvy
Cyber savvy means being smart and safe when using the internet and knowing how to
protect your information online.
2.2 Difference Between Social Media Footprint and Cyberbullying
A social media footprint is everything you post or do online. Cyberbullying is when someone
uses the internet to hurt or bully another person.
2.3 Challenges in Implementing Policy Changes
- Many schools do not have enough resources or staff to properly follow new rules.
- Some teachers are not trained to deal with cyberbullying and don't know how to help
victims.
2.4 Three Roles of the Media in Reporting on Cyberbullying
1. The media spreads awareness about how serious cyberbullying is.
2. It shares real-life stories to show how cyberbullying affects victims.
3. It educates people on how to prevent and report cyberbullying.
2.5 Three Roles of the Media in Challenging Societal Norms
1. The media speaks out against harmful behaviour and stereotypes.
2. It promotes respect, kindness, and positive behaviour online.
3. It helps change the idea that bullying is normal or funny.
ACTIVITY 4: FINDINGS
4.1 Factors Contributing to Cyberbullying
4.1.1 Lack of Digital Literacy: When learners do not know how to use the internet safely,
they can become victims. They may not know how to report bullying or keep their private
information safe.
4.1.2 Socio-economic Inequalities: Learners from poorer backgrounds may not have access
to good support or education about internet safety. They may use shared or unsafe devices,
making them more at risk.
4.2 Community Responsibility in Addressing Cyberbullying
The community should help educate learners about online safety. Schools and parents must
work together to support victims. Adults need to take reports seriously and act quickly.
Community leaders can organise awareness talks and training to prevent cyberbullying.
ACTIVITY 5: RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Solutions to Eliminate Cyberbullying
1. Teach online safety and digital respect in schools and communities.
Impact: Learners will understand what cyberbullying is, how to avoid it, and how to help
others. This helps create a safer online space for everyone.
2. Create safe spaces for learners to report bullying and get help.
Impact: Learners will feel supported, more confident to speak up, and get help quickly
before the problem gets worse.
3. Train teachers and parents about how to handle cyberbullying.
Impact: Adults will know how to take action, support victims, and stop bullies. This makes
sure that learners are protected both at school and at home.
ACTIVITY 6: REFLECTION
I think cyberbullying is a serious issue in my school and community. Many learners suffer
silently because they are scared or embarrassed. I believe more lessons and awareness
about online safety are needed. Personally, I try to help my friends and report bullying
when I see it. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and that we must
follow the values in the Bill of Rights, such as dignity, equality, and the right to safety.
Bibliography
- News24.com – "Addressing Cyberbullying in South African Schools", accessed on 25 March
2025.
- Department of Basic Education Policy Documents.
- South African Children’s Act and Protection from Harassment Act.
- Personal observations and community interviews.
