Dagga sweets: school bullies threaten, target learner
A WINDSOR High School parent in Lansdowne has pleaded with the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) to assist her child who is being bullied at school, allegedly for outing a learner selling edible gummies (dagga sweets).
The mother, 38, says her child was caught eating the edible gummies at school two weeks ago.
“My son was suspended for a few days and then returned, but when he got back the threats started.
“The other kids blamed him for being a snitch and outing the one who sold the things (gummies).
“There was even a WhatsApp group where learners would say he is wanted.
“They would wait for him while changing classes and outside after school.”
The mom said she approached the school, but was either turned away or told that the principal was off sick.
“My son started to become sick. He won’t eat and he's so withdrawn, he's scared to go back to school.”
She said her son has since been out of school and the school failed to send his work home even when requested.
“The school came up with measures to protect him, like him leaving the class five minutes before the period ends, and having the reception area as his safe place, while being accompanied by someone.
“But how does this address the underlying problem?
“The department got involved and offered two schools for him to be transferred to.
“Both these schools have even worse bullying cases.
“I feel it's wrong that he now has to adapt, while the bullies are still around and free to do what they want.”
WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton said their district office is aware of the situation and the Circuit Based Support Team has been offering counselling support to the learner.
“Measures have been put in place to address the learner’s concerns while at school.
“The school has also indicated that the learners alleged to be involved in the incidents of bullying and intimidation have been suspended, pending a disciplinary hearing.
“The school has been requested to ensure that a catch up plan is in place to address the curriculum gaps due to the learner’s absence from school.
“The parent requested that her son be placed at another school.
“However, she declined a placement offer at another school and the schools she has identified have not confirmed possible placement yet.”