​In a collaborative effort aimed at providing essential support and guidance to young individuals, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, in conjunction with various stakeholders, conducted visits to Highlands North Boys High School and Diepsloot Combined School in Johannesburg. These visits were dedicated to addressing critical issues affecting adolescents, including teenage pregnancy, mental health and well-being, and the pervasive challenge of bullying amongst learners.
As part of the department's ongoing initiatives leading up to Child Protection Week, engagements have been organized with students across Johannesburg schools, with a specific emphasis on mental health awareness and combating bullying.
"Regrettably, we have witnessed a troubling surge in instances of bullying and violence within our schools, coupled with alarmingly high rates of child fatalities. Consequently, we are implementing proactive interventions to ensure the protection of our youth," Baloyi remarked.
Baloyi reiterated the government's commitment to fostering awareness regarding children's rights and engaging learners on a spectrum of issues affecting their scholastic lives. This includes mobilizing all sectors of society and communities, including educational institutions, towards the holistic development, care, and protection of children.
"Our foremost objective is to shield our youth from various societal challenges, such as violence, mental health issues, teenage pregnancy, and bullying. Furthermore, we aim to equip them with the knowledge to recognize common mental health concerns, identify warning signs, and seek assistance when needed," Baloyi emphasized.
Phakeme Mahlangu of ChildLine underscored the importance of reporting any instances of bullying within schools, irrespective of the perpetrator's identity. He encouraged students to discard outdated notions perpetuating harmful stereotypes, such as the belief that 'real men don't cry.'
Mahlangu emphasized that nurturing mental health during childhood entails achieving developmental and emotional milestones, acquiring healthy social skills, and learning effective coping mechanisms when faced with adversities.