How it works

SCHOOLS sign up for the app and pay a monthly fee of R500, but it will be available for free to pupils at the school, who download the app from either the Play Store or Apple App Store.

This enables them to report on issues that they or their friends are experiencing.

The system is set up to make sure that only a predefined staff member can access reports that were made about abuse or bullying.

When a report is submitted, it goes to the e-mail of the predefined staff members, telling them to log into the system to access details of the report “and take the necessary action to safeguard the child”.

The staff member can ask for further information if necessary from the person making the report, but will never know his or her identity.

Shake if in trouble

Another free app called Shake For Help was designed for Android smartphones.

After downloading the app, a child can set the shake signature by shaking the device the way they would if they were in trouble.

If a matching shake is detected, Shake For Help will alert the child’s emergency contacts which could include parents, caregivers, etc.

The app will also transmit the child’s exact location and other important information.

Forms of bullying

BULLYING is a huge problem in South African schools, by both pupils and educators, says child rights activist Joan van Niekerk. These can take the forms of:

Hazing: An initiation process which sadly affects the most vulnerable children as it is usually practised by higher grades on children entering the school in the lower grades. But sometimes this gets completely out of hand. The “victims” are usually sworn to secrecy – and may be so frightened and intimidated that they will not even inform a parent.

Sexual bullying: Often boys on girls (or boys), where there is touching – or worse – without consent, and pressure again not to tell.

Physical bullying: This is sometimes easier to deal with as injuries are often noticed by parents or caregivers when the child returns from school.

Verbal bullying: Name-calling and demeaning comments.

Important information