LIFE
ORIENTATION
GRADE 12
PROJECT
TERM 2 - 2026
HUMAN RIGHTS
VIOLATIONS: Addressing
Cyberbullying in South
African Schools
Name: Aashiq
School: Rocklands High School
Class: Grade 12
Date: May 2026
ACTIVITY 1:
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Explain the role that the
community plays in contributing
to the persistence of
cyberbullying
The community plays a major role in
allowing cyberbullying to continue. Many
people choose to stay silent when they
see hurtful messages or posts about
learners. Parents often do not monitor
their children’s phone use or social
media activity. Friends and neighbours
sometimes forward or like bullying
content instead of reporting it. When
schools do not have strong anti-bullying
rules and the community does not
support victims, bullies feel they can act
without any consequences. A strong and
united community that teaches respect,
encourages reporting, and stands up for
victims can help reduce cyberbullying
significantly.
1.2 Provide a summary of the
legal frameworks in South Africa
that address cyberbullying
South Africa has several important laws
to fight cyberbullying. The Constitution of
South Africa protects every person’s right
to dignity, equality, and freedom from
violence. The Cybercrimes Act 19 of
2020 makes it a criminal offence to send
harmful, threatening, or insulting
messages online. The Protection from
Harassment Act allows victims to apply
for a protection order against the bully. In
addition, the Department of Basic
Education has policies that require all
schools to have clear anti-bullying rules
and procedures. Although these laws
exist, many learners and parents are not
aware of them or how to use them
effectively.
1.3 Discuss the impact of
cyberbullying on a learner’s
academic performance
Cyberbullying has a serious negative
effect on a learner’s school performance.
Victims often feel stressed and anxious,
which makes it difficult for them to
concentrate during lessons. They spend
a lot of time worrying about the next
nasty message instead of focusing on
their work. Many learners start skipping
school or arriving late because they feel
embarrassed or scared. This leads to
missed lessons, lower test marks, and
poor overall results. In extreme cases,
some learners lose interest in school
completely and consider dropping out.
Poor academic performance caused by
cyberbullying can affect their chances of
getting into university or finding good
employment in the future.
1.4 Critically discuss the effects
of cyberbullying on a learner’s
mental well-being
Cyberbullying causes severe emotional
and psychological harm. Learners often
experience anxiety, depression, and
feelings of loneliness. Unlike traditional
bullying, cyberbullying follows victims
everywhere because it happens on
phones and social media 24 hours a day.
Many victims lose self-confidence and
begin to dislike themselves. In serious
cases, constant humiliation leads to
thoughts of self-harm or suicide. The fear
and stress also damage relationships
with family and friends. Cyberbullying is
therefore not just a school problem — it
is a serious human rights violation that
affects the overall well-being of young
people.
ACTIVITY 2:
REVIEW OF
LITERATURE
2.1 Define the term cyber savvy
Cyber savvy refers to having the
knowledge and skills needed to use the
internet and social media in a safe,
responsible, and smart way. It includes
protecting personal information,
recognising online dangers, and knowing
how to respond to cyberbullying.
2.2 Differentiate between social
media footprint and
cyberbullying
Social media footprint is the permanent
digital record of everything a person
posts, likes, comments on, or shares
online. Cyberbullying, on the other hand,
is the deliberate act of using electronic
communication to hurt, embarrass,
threaten, or harass another person.
2.3 Determine the challenges in
implementing the Department of
Basic Education’s policy
changes
Implementing anti-cyberbullying policies
is difficult because many schools do not
have enough computers, reliable
internet, or trained teachers. Some
parents do not understand the policies or
refuse to get involved. There is also
limited funding for awareness
programmes. Additionally, not all
learners have equal access to
technology, which makes it hard to apply
the same rules fairly across different
communities.
2.4 Explain THREE roles of the
media in reporting on
cyberbullying
1. The media raises public awareness
by reporting real cases of
cyberbullying in schools.
2. It educates the public by
interviewing experts and providing
useful advice on prevention.
3. It holds schools, parents, and the
government accountable by
highlighting weaknesses in current
systems.
2.5 Discuss THREE roles of the
media in challenging societal
norms that contribute to
cyberbullying
1. The media challenges the idea that
bullying is “just a joke” and shows
its serious consequences.
2. It promotes positive online
behaviour by sharing stories of
kindness and respect.
3. It encourages bystanders to speak
up and support victims instead of
staying silent.
ACTIVITY 3: DATA
GATHERING
THROUGH
SURVEY AND
ANALYSIS
I conducted a survey with 10 learners (5
boys and 5 girls aged 13–17) from my
school and community. The results
showed that 8 out of 10 learners know
someone who has experienced
cyberbullying. The most common
platforms are WhatsApp and Instagram.
Most victims reported feeling sad,
anxious, and struggling with school work.
Key insight: Parental involvement is low
and schools need stronger awareness
programmes.
ACTIVITY 4:
FINDINGS
4.1 Factors contributing to the
prevalence of cyberbullying
4.1.1 Lack of digital literacy
Many learners do not know how to
protect their privacy, block bullies, or
report abuse properly.
4.1.2 Socio-economic inequalities
Learners from poorer backgrounds are
often targeted because of jealousy over
phones, clothes, or lifestyles.
4.2 Community’s responsibility
in addressing cyberbullying
The community has a big responsibility
to create safer environments. Parents,
teachers, religious leaders, and
neighbours must work together to teach
respect, monitor online behaviour, and
support victims quickly. Schools should
have clear reporting systems and regular
awareness sessions.
ACTIVITY 5:
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Schools should organise regular
workshops on digital literacy and
cyberbullying for learners,
teachers, and parents. This will
increase awareness and reduce
incidents.
2. Communities should form support
groups where parents can share
experiences and work together to
monitor children’s online activities.
This will help create a safer school
and community environment.
ACTIVITY 6:
REFLECTION
Before starting this project, I did not
realise how serious cyberbullying is.
After researching and speaking to other
learners, I now understand the deep
emotional pain and academic problems it
causes. I will be more careful with what I
post and comment online. I will also
speak up if I see someone being bullied.
This project has made me more aware of
human rights and the importance of
treating others with respect.
ACTIVITY 7:
CONCLUSION
Cyberbullying is a growing human rights
violation in South African schools. It
harms learners’ academic performance,
mental health, and overall well-being.
The community, schools, parents, and
government must work together to fight
this problem through education, stronger
laws, and better support systems. Only
then can we create a safer and healthier
online environment for all young people.
ACTIVITY 8: LIST
OF REFERENCES
(Harvard Style)
1. Department of Basic Education.
(2023). Guidelines on Bullying
Prevention. Pretoria: DBE.
2. News24. (2025). Cyberbullying in SA
schools on the rise. Available at:
[Link] [Accessed: 19
May 2026].
3. UNICEF South Africa. (2024). Digital
Safety for Children. Available at:
[Link]
[Accessed: 18 May 2026].
4. Republic of South Africa. (2020).
Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020.
5. Childline South Africa. (2025). Helping
victims of cyberbullying. Available at:
[Link] [Accessed: 17
May 2026].
6. BBC News. (2024). The growing
problem of online bullying.
7. Mail & Guardian. (2025). Schools
battle with digital harassment.
8. World Health Organization. (2024).
Adolescent mental health and
cyberbullying.
9. Psychology Today. (2023). Long-term
effects of cyberbullying on teenagers.
10. SA Government. (2025). Protecting
children online. Available at:
[Link] [Accessed: 20 May
2026].