AfriForum’s anti-bully and suicide awareness team on 17 May 2021 visited the Unika Voortrekkers in Randburg. This campaign serves to create awareness of bullying and suicide in schools and communities and includes information sessions with learners.
“Each learner attending the anti-bully talk will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to act as leader in situations where bullying takes place. Cyber bullying was especially addressed, particularly because it is a huge problem among teenagers these days. It is not only important for AfriForum to focus on creating awareness of bully behaviour, but also the effect thereof. The organisation’s goal is to empower schools and communities with the knowledge and skills to put a stop to bully behaviour and suicidal thoughts,” says Leandie Bräsler, AfriForum’s Manager for Youth Leadership..
- Each year about one million people commit suicide.
- Worldwide someone passes away every 40 seconds as a result of suicide.
- Suicide is the second main cause of death in the age group 5–19 years.
- South Africa’s estimated suicide figure of 13,4 people per 100 000 is approximately four times the world rate of 3,6 per 100 000.
- Every death is a tragedy for family, friends and colleagues. Yet suicide can be prevented.
“AfriForum appeals to the South African government to include proven suicide prevention strategies in a sustainable way in national health and education programmes. Suicide prevention and intervention are necessary within any mental health programme and has to include a total school approach comprising awareness and training for personnel and learners. It is okay to not be okay. There is a way out, there is hope and there is support available. The more openly we talk about suicide, the easier and quicker we will destroy the stigma around suicide,” says Gerhard Nieuwoudt, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for Stellaland.
Visit www.teenboelie.co.za for more information.
