Managing Bullying Among Senior Phase Learners in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

Bullying is a global social phenomenon that negatively affects learners' psychological functioning, social life, and academic performance. This challenge is notable among senior phase learners in Amathole East secondary schools in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This study responds to the problem by exploring the challenges and possible solutions for managing bullying among senior phase learners. Lensing through Social Cognitive Theory, the qualitative study adopted interpretivism paradigm, a case study design, and recorded in-depth interviews were used to collect data from the participants. 15 participants (1 principal, 4 teachers, as well as 10 learners) were sampled using purposive sampling technique. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected from the participants. This study revealed that government laws, vindictive learners, anti-social learners and defensive parents, teachers not following up bullying cases, and community crime are the challenges stakeholders face in managing bullying. This study acknowledged that victims must be protected by placing police officers and security, offering moral and sexuality education, building a constant relationship with learners’ parents and guardians, and encouraging socialization through the involvement and placement of social workers in a school setting. The study concluded that regardless of internal school stakeholder’s endeavors to manage bullying, it remains impossible for bullying and its ramifications to be addressed by an individual stakeholder.