Brutal toll of bullying

How heartbreaking it was to hear about the 13-year-old boy who was killed by bullies at an East Rand primary school for trying to protect his brother from being beaten up. Now a family is grieving, their hearts broken with the loss of their precious son and brother.

Our condolences go to his parents, siblings and extended family. May the pupils responsible for his death be punished in the appropriate manner. When is bullying at schools ever going to be stopped? For this special, brave young boy it’s too late. THE POOLE FAMILY, EMAIL

Parents, now is the time to have a serious talk to your kids about bullying. Your darling son or daughter might be responsible for the mental anguish and physical pain of another human being. You need to find out if your child is doing the bullying and put a stop to it.

Teenage girls especially can be vicious to other girls on social media.

You need to check in with your kids. Often boys are victimised. Again, parents must make it clear that it’s never acceptable to torment or tease another person because of their (perceived) sexual preference.

I was tormented from Grade 1 by another boy. My mom would always say, “Ignore them”, but it’s difficult.

I never lashed out and was never physically assaulted, but this boy would hide my things. He’d also steal my things and make prank calls to my house. (There was no caller ID back then.) When I was in high school, one boy was hospitalised after he had a nervous breakdown from being severely bullied.

School should be a safe space. Don’t allow your child to be a bully. ALBÉ BREDEKAMP, SOMERSET-WEST