Stand up to BULLIES
Actress-singer Nicky de Kock (13) released a song about bullying after falling victim to bullies and online trolls. The De Hoop Primary learner from Somerset West in the Western Cape chats to us
Tell us about your experience with bullies.
After the release of my album Meer As Genoeg and the movie Vir Altyd [in which she appears with Donnalee Roberts] bullies targeted me, especially cyberbullies. Kids started being nasty to me and said rude things, for example that I was a loser because I thought I could sing. Some spread vicious rumours behind my back.
Once the movie was out children started making fun of my acting and I even received rude WhatsApp messages from people I thought were my friends. People cursed me on Instagram and said terrible things about me. There also were awful messages on my YouTube channel but my manager deleted them.
How did you react to this?
I decided one day that I couldn’t go on like this. I realised if I’m going to live a life in the spotlight then this kind of thing will happen.
What advice do you have for victims of bullying?
Always remember you’re not the problem, the bully is the one with the problem. If you’re targeted by cyberbullies and trolls don’t ever respond on social media, no matter how hurtful or false their comments may be, because that’s exactly what they want – a reaction so they can keep their hold on you.
Why did you decide to release the song Saam Staan Soos Een (Stand Together As One)?
We aren’t born to be bullies or to discriminate against others. It’s learnt behaviour. Bullies do as much as bystanders allow them to. It’s a huge social problem and it pops up all the time – and with this song, singer-songwriters Shaun Tait and Zane, hip-hop duo Afrikaans Ruk and I wanted to address the bullies and send a message to victims that they mustn’t give up.
Did you write the song yourself?
No, I was lucky that my manager, Louis van den Berg, roped in talented writers such as Shaun and Zane. They were able to give the song the right feel because they too had been bullied and know what it’s like. We’re also planning an English version of the song so it can reach a wider audience.
In Vir Altyd you played opposite so many talented actors. Were you a little starstruck at first?
The actors and team were the most wonderful people. Everyone was so helpful with the youngsters. Every day I was amazed at what went on. I never realised just how much goes into a film.
Who do you admire and why?
Actress Donnalee Roberts. She’s not only a fantastic performer, she also treats her fans with so much appreciation and kindness.