Deputy justice and constitutional development minister Andries Nel has raised concern about the dangers of cyberbullying and the harm it causes to youth.
One of the most concerning trends we face is cyberbullying in schools. Children are more connected than ever with social media, messaging platforms and chat rooms shaping their interactions, said Nel.
This digital exposure also creates risks. The psychological harm caused by cyberbullying is often devastating, amplified by its public nature. In the most tragic cases, and South Africa has not been immune, it has contributed to young people taking their own lives. This is why education, vigilance and early intervention are essential. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research reported children are more prone to online harassment than adults as a 2021 survey of 200 South African parents found more than half reported their children had been victims of cyberbullying.