Respect Your Neighbour
Say NO to Cyberbullying
A learner friendly awareness campaign created for SA high schools. Learn what cyberbullying is, how it harms, and how to report it and support others especially on WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram.
What’s inside
- Clear definition & real SA examples
- Two detailed personas (victim & bully)
- Consequences & positive actions
- Helplines and reporting steps
What is Cyberbullying?
Definition: Cyberbullying is the use of internet or mobile technology to harass, intimidate, or cause harm to another person. (It's like being a bully but online)
Realistic Example (SA High School)
Lewis, a Grade 11 learner from a wealthy family, felt jealous of Jack, a hardworking classmate who topped the grade but struggled with a worn uniform due to financial pressure. After losing to Jack in a test, Lewis filmed Jack during a speech presentation, added a mocking voice-over, and posted the edited clip on Facebook and in school groups. He even paid popular learners to spread it. The video went viral; learners mocked Jack’s clothing and called him names.
Jack withdrew from friends, skipped school out of fear, and his grades dropped. Once the school learned what happened, they demanded the video be removed, banned it from circulation, and suspended Lewis for two weeks for cyberbullying. Jack’s scholarship was restored when the context was understood, and the school supported him in getting a new uniform.
Why Cyberbullying is Serious
Impact on Victims
- Causes stress, anxiety, sadness and isolation from friends
- School avoidance and declining performance
- Loss of confidence and trust in peers
Impact on Bullies
- School discipline (suspension, expulsion)
- Damage to reputation and relationships
- Potential legal and code-of-conduct consequences
- Could result in retaliation from others
Impact on the School
- Unsafe, hostile learning environment
- Disruption to teaching and learning time
- Breakdown in school culture and trust
Personas
Jack Mabena, age 16, Grade 11
High School in the city, scholarship learner
- Backstory: Studies hard and consistently tops the grade, wears a worn uniform due to family's financial situation.
- Digital context: Uses WhatsApp for class groups, Facebook for school pages, and YouTube for study videos.
- Emotions: Embarrassed, isolated, anxious, avoids school to escape verbal abuse.
- Impact: Grades drop, scholarship temporarily threatened, trust in peers damaged.
Lewis Sexolo, aged 17, Grade 11
Same class, competitive and wealthy background
- Backstory: Competitive, frustrated that Jack keeps first place academically.
- Digital context: Films Jack in class, edits with mocking voice-over, posts to Facebook and school groups, pays peers to share.
- Motivation: Jealousy, pride, desire for social status.
- Impact: Receives a two week suspension, reputation harmed, learns about consequences.
What You Can Do? Be a Responsible Digital Citizen
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1Don’t engage: Do not like, share, or comment on hurtful posts. Think before you post.
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2Save evidence: Take screenshots and copy links. Keep dates and usernames.
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3Report & block: Use built-in tools on WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook to report abuse and block accounts.
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4Tell a trusted adult: Class teacher, grade head, or school counsellor.
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5Use helplines: See the resources below for South African support.
Resources & Helplines (South Africa)
Childline South Africa
Free counselling for children and teens.
Call: 08000 55 555 or 116 (from a mobile)
SADAG
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group.
Call: 0800 567 567 | 24hr SMS: 31393
Report to School & SAPS
Serious threats or criminal harassment should be reported.
SAPS Emergency: 10111
Quick Self‑Check Quiz
Answer these two questions to test your digital citizenship.
AI Usage Statement
We used AI to generate the template for the website. We told it (chatgpt) what we wanted the site to look like and it made it for us. We also used AI to generate the images of our personas.