PUPILS ABSCOND SCHOOL TO ESCAPE BULLYING

MBABANE – There was a time when children feigned illness to skip a test. Now, they are avoiding school altogether to escape bullying.

Some parents mistakenly believe their child is just pretending when, in reality, they are dodging emotional torment. With anxiety, depression and academic issues accumulating, experts warn that school avoidance is about survival, not laziness.

Bullying in schools is reportedly reaching pandemic proportions. Sidumo Lukhele, Health Promotions Officer within the Health Promotions Unit of the Ministry of Health, asserts that bullying is not merely an unpleasant childhood ordeal,  but has severe and lasting consequences for the mental and physical well-being of pupils. “Bullying is a major public health issue. It affects both the victim and the perpetrator, with consequences that can endure into adulthood,” Lukhele noted.

Lukhele described bullying as an unwanted aggressive behaviour marked by a real or perceived power imbalance. “The effects of bullying extend beyond immediate distress. It can lead to long-term psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” he explained.

Adding more context, Lukhele stated that research shows bullying often targets historically marginalised groups, such as children from low-income backgrounds, those with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community. “These pupils are particularly vulnerable as they are already grappling with societal challenges. When bullying is combined with these, school becomes unbearable for them,” Lukhele said. The rise in school absenteeism among bullied pupils is not due to laziness.

Terrifying

“For many of these children, the idea of going to school is terrifying. They are not skipping school out of laziness; they are avoiding a place where they feel unsafe,” Lukhele elaborated. He further highlighted that bullying severely affects academic performance, causing victims to struggle with concentration, retention and motivation. “The stress from bullying triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, making it difficult for the brain to focus on learning. Over time, this leads to poor academic performance and even school dropouts,” Lukhele added.

A 2023 study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on bullying and absenteeism in African schools found that pupils who frequently experience bullying are 2.5 times more likely to skip school. The study also highlighted that bullied pupils often struggle with peer relationships, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and isolation. Bullying’s repercussions extend beyond immediate distress, causing lasting psychological effects into adulthood. Lukhele outlined mental health consequences, including low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.

Disorders

“Many bullied children develop anxiety disorders, leading to panic attacks and chronic stress. Some even suffer from PTSD, especially if the bullying is prolonged or aggressive,” Lukhele stated. Another concern is the link between bullying and self-harm. Studies show pupils who endure severe bullying are at higher risk of self-destructive behaviour, including cutting and, in extreme cases, suicidal ideation. “There have been cases where victims develop severe depression, and unfortunately, some take their own lives,” Lukhele said.

Besides psychological damage, bullying has significant physical effects. “Stress from bullying can result in headaches, stomach aches and weakened immune systems,” Lukhele mentioned. Victims often endure sleep disturbances, suffering from insomnia due to heightened anxiety, which hampers daytime functioning. “Lack of sleep leads to fatigue and concentration difficulties, worsening academic struggles,” Lukhele explained.

In extreme cases, bullying results in physical injuries, with some pupils suffering bruises, cuts or broken bones from violence. “When bullying escalates to physical assault, it should be treated as a criminal matter, not merely a school issue,” Lukhele emphasised.Bullying affects victims and creates a toxic environment for everyone in the school. “When bullying is prevalent, it fosters a culture of fear and intimidation. Even pupils not directly involved may feel anxious and unsafe,” Lukhele noted.

This environment negatively impacts teachers as well. Studies indicate that in schools with rampant bullying, educators experience heightened stress levels, affecting their teaching effectiveness. “Teachers often feel powerless to intervene, especially if they lack proper training on handling bullying incidents,” Lukhele added. Addressing bullying requires a comprehensive approach involving pupils, teachers, parents and policymakers. Lukhele stressed that intervention must be proactive, not reactive.

“We need to focus on prevention strategies, such as implementing anti-bullying policies, providing mental health support and fostering an inclusive school culture,” he said. One effective strategy is introducing peer support programmes. Schools implementing mentorship schemes, where older pupils support younger or vulnerable pupils, see significant declines in bullying incidents. “When students support each other, it fosters a culture of kindness and respect, discouraging bullying behaviour,” Lukhele explained.

Parents also play a crucial role in combating bullying. “Open communication between parents and children is vital. Many victims suffer in silence, fearing their concerns will not be taken seriously,” Lukhele said. He encouraged parents to watch for warning signs like sudden mood changes, reluctance to attend school, unexplained injuries or a drop in academic performance. Lukhele also stressed the importance of mental health resources in schools.

Access

“We need more school counsellors to provide psychological support. Having access to professional help can significantly aid a child in coping with bullying,” he advised. Globally, countries have implemented measures to control and prevent bullying in schools, recognising its detrimental impact on pupils’ well-being and academic performance. In nations like Finland and Sweden, anti-bullying programmes such as KiVa focus on early intervention, peer support and teacher training to curb bullying.

Japan enforces a zero-tolerance policy with an emphasis on respect and collective responsibility in schools. In the United States, laws mandate schools to implement anti-bullying policies, supported by counselling services and awareness campaigns. These strategies, combined with strict disciplinary actions and mental health support, contribute to creating safer learning environments for pupils.

Note: A response from the Eswatini Principals Association (EPA) was unavailable at the time of compiling this article.

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