Strategies to effectively mitigate bullying among primary school learners at the Sambandou circuit in the Vhembe East District

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore strategies to effectively mitigate bullying among primary school learners at the Sambandou circuit in the Vhembe East District. The study intended to obtain strategies to effectively mitigate bullying by investigating male and female learners’ experiences of bullying in the primary school context. Bullying is one of the major issues facing educators, learners, and school communities. To collect data for the study, a qualitative case study research approach was used, which included the use of focus groups, semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis methods. In addition, data was collected from learners, teachers, HODs and principals, respectively, using purposive sampling. The participants were selected based on their experience in the subject, thus resulting in the collection of trustworthy or authentic information (data). Moreover, this would assist in equipping the concerned school leaders with the knowledge on how to prevent bullying at the affected schools in future. After the themes and sub-themes had been developed, findings emerged, which included aspects such as detailing how bullying was committed in primary schools, the relevant community structures’ role in tackling bullying in schools, and the role of school leaders in devising strategies to prevent bullying in primary schools. Thereafter, recommendations were developed detailing how school leaders should work together with other structures to prevent bullying and how to deal with the perpetrators of bullying.