EDITOR – I WAS disturbed when I watched the viral video of that Form Four Prince Edward student viciously attacking the seemingly weaker and younger Form Three student.

The most terrible thing that can happen to a child while growing up is experiencing bullying and I am certain on this for I was a victim of bullying in high school.

Words cannot stress enough the amount of mental degradation a child will be subjected to because of bullying. 

Bullying can have short and long-term effects on the victim and the bully alike.

Chronic depression, social isolation, poor performance in school, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts are some of the dire consequences of bullying on the victim. 

Bullies are at a high risk of abusing substances, post-traumatic stress disorders and inability to maintain relationships.

Surely these things cannot be taken lightly and I am surprised little has been done to curb this social disease at the very same school where two students died mysteriously in two consecutive years, with both incidences being linked to bullying.

Drastic action needs to be taken as soon as possible. 

We cannot afford to have young lives lost as a result of bullying or futures being broken as children fail in their studies because they have succumbed to bullying, which we can prevent.

Let’s teach these children the effects of bullying. 

Are these children still being taught Guidance and Counselling in school? 

This is the question that rung, and is still ringing, in my mind the moment I watched that horrific video.

Bullying also has a severe effect on the victim’s confidence.

Authorities at both schools and Government must look into this matter with urgency in order to nip this dreadful conduct in the bud.

Concerned Graduate,

Harare.