Common Forms of School Violence and Detection

Definition: Repeated misuse of power to harm someone physically, socially, or emotionally.
Forms:

• Physical: Hitting, kicking, pushing
• Verbal: Insults, name-calling, threats
• Social: Exclusion, gossip, damaging reputation
• Cyberbullying: Online harassment, impersonation, rumor spreading

Detection Signs:

• Avoiding peers or school activities
• Sudden mood changes or anxiety
• Unexplained injuries or damaged belongings
• Withdrawal from social groups

Example:

"Hi, I’m Mihlali, and I go to school in Port Elizabeth. I noticed that my classmate Nandi started avoiding break time and looked upset whenever certain learners walked past.

Later, she told me that they had been spreading rumors and insulting her online. I told a teacher so she could get help before things got worse."

Definition: Any physical force intended to cause pain or discomfort as punishment.
Note:Illegal in South African schools.

Detection Signs:

• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Fear of certain teachers
• Reports of being hit or forced into painful positions

Example:

"Hi, I’m Ayaan, and I go to school in Cape Town. My friend Karabo came to class with bruises on his legs and flinched whenever adults raised their voices.

He whispered that a teacher had hit him as punishment. I reported it to a school counselor because corporal punishment is illegal, and no learner should be scared at school."

Definition: Harmful acts based on gender identity or roles, including sexual harassment, assault, discrimination, or intimidation.
Forms: Physical, sexual, psychological, or economic.

Detection Signs:

• Avoidance of certain areas or individuals
• Reports of harassment or unwanted touching
• Sudden withdrawal, anxiety, or drop in performance

Important:

• Sex = biological traits (fixed)
• Gender = social roles (can change)
• GBV affects both girls and boys, including LGBTQ+ learners

Example:

"Hi, I’m Nomsa, and I go to school in Pretoria. I noticed my friend Leago suddenly avoided the science block and kept looking over her shoulder.

She told me that an older learner had been harassing and intimidating her. I helped her speak to a trusted teacher so the school could protect her from GBV."

Definition: Intentional use of force to harm another person (e.g., fights, assaults).
Detection Signs:

• Unexplained injuries
• Aggressive or fearful behavior
• Declining performance or absenteeism

Example:

"Hi, I’m Ethan, and I go to school in Bloemfontein. I saw that my friend Tsepo had scratches and bruises he couldn’t explain, and he seemed angry and nervous throughout the day.

I told a teacher, who made sure he got help and that the fighting happening outside school was addressed."

Definition: Violence driven by gang identity, rivalry, or intimidation.
Detection Signs:

• Graffiti, hand signals, or coded language
• Wearing gang colors or symbols
• Fear of certain areas or peers
• Weapons possession or substance abuse

Example:

"Hi, I’m Naledi, and I go to school in Johannesburg. I noticed a group of learners using strange hand signs, talking in coded phrases, and pressuring others to follow them after school.

My friend Jayden said he was scared to walk home. I reported it to teachers and RCL leaders so they could keep the school safe from gang activity."

Definition: Prejudice or hostility toward others based on sexual orientation.

Detection Signs:

• Withdrawal, sadness, or isolation
• Frequent absences
• Decline in grades
• Self-harm or emotional distress

Example:

"Hi, I’m Kayla, and I go to school in East London. I saw that my classmate Riko became quiet and sat at the back after some learners mocked him for who he likes.

He seemed anxious and avoided group work. I told a teacher and made sure he knew he wasn’t alone. Respecting everyone makes our school safer."

Definition: Prejudice or hostility toward others based on nationality or culture.

Detection Signs:

• Withdrawal, sadness, or isolation
• Frequent absences
• Decline in grades
• Self-harm or emotional distress

Example:

"Hi, I’m Farid, and I go to school in Durban. A new learner named Emmanuel, who moved here from another country, kept sitting alone and looked sad whenever others laughed nearby.

I realized some learners were making hurtful comments about where he came from. I invited him to join us and told a teacher so the bullying could be addressed."