A victim of bullying herself, Gabrielle has been bullied since she was in Grade 4.
She explains, “I have been verbally bullied by children calling me “ugly” and saying things like I’m talentless. I have been cyber bullied through WhatsApp and have been invited into groups only to be sworn at and called names.”
Bullying is a big problem with big consequences. Though bullying affects everyone, it is a particular problem in adolescents. Sadly, bullies can cause lasting psychological and physical damage to other kids.
Recently, a 15-year-old pupil in Limpopo, Lufuno Mavhungu, died by suicide after allegedly overdosing on prescription pills. It was revealed through a video that Lufuno was being bullied by her fellow classmates. In the video, which has since gone viral, Lufuno is beaten by another Grade 10 pupil who repeatedly slapped her while other schoolgirls cheered her on.
Bullying is not always physical and can also be verbal, such as with Gabrielle. Though, it is equally dangerous. When asked why she thinks she was a victim of bullying, Gabrielle elaborates, “I was bullied because of my differences. For example, the first time I got bullied was because my hair was thicker than everyone else.”
In order to overcome her situation, Gabrielle spoke up against the bully and told her parents.
She also wrote a song titled ‘Nasty’ about this very issue.
