Bullying Heartbreak: Wesbank Grade R Girl ‘Too Scared’ To Go To School, Mom Speaks Out

What should have been an exciting start to school life has turned into a painful ordeal for a five-year-old Grade R learner from Wesbank, who now refuses to attend classes after alleged bullying.

The child, who attends Wesbank No.1 School, has reportedly been struggling emotionally and displaying worrying behaviour at home, according to her mother.

The parent says the situation has left her deeply concerned about her daughter’s well-being and desperate to find a solution.

Mother Says Bullying Is Affecting Grade R Learner’s Mental Health

The girl’s mother says the problems began after her daughter experienced repeated incidents at school involving other learners.

According to the mother, the child’s behaviour has changed dramatically due to stress and anxiety linked to the alleged bullying.

“My child has anxiety and is now starting to poo on herself, which she never did. She is also cutting her school uniform because she doesn’t want to go to school. I am not happy with how my child is being treated.

“My daughter came home already with bubblegum in her hair, her ribbons are cut, her schoolwork is being trampled on, she is being pinched and hit, but the teacher is in the class. The teacher told me that it’s not bullying; bullying is a big word.

“I am stressed out at work because I am worried about my child, and I now have to look for her for another school, which is going to cost money,” says the mother.

Western Cape Education Department Responds to Complaints

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that the school has already met with the family regarding the concerns raised.

WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton said the school attempted to address the matter with the child’s relatives but described the discussions as difficult.

She explained that an earlier incident involving the learner had been dealt with by the school earlier this year.

School Says Meetings With Family Became Confrontational

Merton said the learner’s grandmother recently visited the school to raise concerns and was immediately attended to by the principal.

However, the discussion reportedly became unproductive. “More recently, the learner’s grandmother visited the school yesterday, and the principal met with her immediately to discuss the concerns raised.

“Unfortunately, the discussion was not constructive, as the grandmother was argumentative, which made it difficult to resolve the matter meaningfully.

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“This morning, the learner’s mother and grandmother returned to the school. Once again, the conversation with the principal became confrontational, and it became clear that under those circumstances, it would not be possible to reach a resolution in the learner’s best interest.

“Despite these challenges, the principal has reiterated his willingness to meet with the family again.

“The school’s priority remains the well-being of the learner, and the principal is committed to working collaboratively with the parents to ensure that any concerns are addressed appropriately and effectively.”

The department says the school remains open to further engagement with the family to address the situation and find a way forward that protects the learner’s welfare.