World Suicide Prevention Day is marked every year on 10 September. This year, Masiviwe focussed on the link between bullying in childhood, and suicide.  According to the World Health Organisation, 80% of adults who have mental health challenges were bullied as children.

In South Africa, bullying amongst young people is a major problem, with 3.2 million learners reporting having been bullied (information from Safer Schools). When asked, 52% of learners characterised bullying as an act of verbal abuse, and 22% explained it as physical abuse in the form of pushing, hitting and beating. More than 67% of bully victims said they would not ask a teacher for help because they didn’t think it would change their situation.

According to Bullybusters, an organisation founded to work in this space, bullying has been identified as a leading cause in adolescent suicide cases. There’s even a term: “bullycide” coined for these increasing incidents.

With the increase in cyberbullying, it’s no longer just verbal and physical abuse that ends when the victim and the perpetrator part ways. Cyber bullying can happen at any time, and its impact can continue for years.

Masiviwe’s “Let’s Talk Bullying” video, launched this month, shared the lived experience of three people who had been bullied based on their appearance, abilities, or background. They shared how they experienced significant emotional and mental distress, ranging from low self-esteem to thoughts of self-harm.

However, the video also presented that healing is possible through support and understanding. Njabulo Zulu shared how she overcame bullying by seeking help from family. This led her to launch an anti-bullying campaign, aimed at empowering others to speak out and embrace their uniqueness. Karabo Vuma shared how, after transferring to a school for children with similar disabilities, he was able to accept himself and find a sense of community.

The story underlines the importance of intervention and the need for kind words and positive reinforcement to help individuals recover from the trauma of bullying. Small gestures of support can make a significant difference, helping victims rediscover their sense of self and rebuild confidence.

Kindness, understanding, and proactive engagement can play pivotal roles in preventing bullying and supporting those who suffer its effects.

Masiviwe also has a podcast on the topic of bullying as part of it’s Let’s Talk Mental Health radio series. It features a young woman calling into a mental health helpline to ask for help as she is being cyberbullied.

Bullying should always be taken seriously. It’s a topic that we all need to inform ourselves about and take action to ensure that we support those who might be struggling.