Dark Spaces of the Internet: Cyberbullying During Lockdown
ADvTECH Group • June 8, 2020
How to Handle Cyberbullying During Lockdown
“Cyber bullies can hide behind a mask of anonymity online, and do not need direct physical access to their victims to do unimaginable harm.”
– Anna Marcia Chavez
With lockdown still a reality, students have been turning to the Internet to stay connected. As useful as the Internet is, not all children are aware of the dangers that the digital world imposes. What happens when innocent gestures like sharing one’s contact details leads to a traumatic case of cyberbullying? How can you help your child maintain an online social distance from cyber bullies? We’re here to guide you through it.
What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online. Even though it can’t be physical violence, it can be detrimental to one’s mental health. Cyberbullying can easily occur on digital platforms through social media apps, texts and online gaming platforms.
Cyberbullying includes:
• Sending cruel, harsh or humiliating messages to someone.
• Forwarding embarrassing videos or photos to people.
• Sending unwanted sexual messages or images to people.
• Making abusive comments about someone. This includes homophobic, racist, transphobic or sexist remarks.
How Can I Help My Child If They're Experiencing Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying can be difficult to control, but with the right steps it can be tackled. If you become aware that your child is being cyberbullied, follow these four steps to help them deal with the problem.
1. Talk To Them And Listen To What They Have To Say
It’s important to remember not to patronise your child. Instead, make them feel as if the power is in their hands and that you’re there to support them every step of the way.
2.Collect Evidence And Access The Situation
Once your child shares their cyberbullying experience, it’s time to assess the situation and collect evidence. Keeping a record of all interactions with the perpetrator is vital. Be vigilant from the beginning. Ask your child to screenshot anything offensive. This will be your evidence when reporting cyberbullying cases to site administrators, teachers, principals and to the police.
3. Report And Block
Enough is enough. Immediately block the perpetrator and then report them to site administrators. Site administrators are there to help support and protect people from online abuse.
If the cyberbully goes to the same school as your child, then be sure to report the case to your child’s teacher and principle.
4. Make Sure They Feel Safe
Be sure to protect your child’s online presence. Ensuring that your child’s social media platforms have a high privacy setting is a priority. This will help keep your child in control of who they’re talking to and who has access to view their social profiles.
It’s important to keep in mind that whilst the internet imposes a dark side, there are ways to avoid it. Here are some pro tips on how you can help protect your child on social media. Follow this social media profile example to ensure that your child’s online presence is protected.
Remember:
“Being challenged in life is inevitable, but being defeated is optional”
–
Roger Crawford.
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Each year on 14 March, schools across the globe celebrate Pi Day, a playful tribute to the mathematical constant π (3.14). Numbers may seem abstract at first glance, yet behind every formula lies a story of discovery, logic and imagination. Mathematical thinking shapes the way young people analyse the world, solve problems and innovate in fields ranging from medicine to technology. Passion for mathematics rarely appears overnight. Curiosity often provides the starting point. According to Camilla Pretorius, Principal of Trinityhouse Centurion , mathematical confidence develops when students realise that the subject is not about memorising formulas but about exploring patterns and ideas. “Mathematics is fundamentally about curiosity,” Pretorius explains. “Students begin to thrive when they understand that problem-solving is a journey rather than a test of instant ability.” Early childhood plays a critical role in shaping attitudes towards numbers. Young students naturally explore patterns, shapes and quantities through play long before formal lessons begin. Counting steps on a staircase, sorting colourful objects or building towers all introduce foundational mathematical concepts. Teachers who encourage exploration help students associate mathematics with discovery rather than anxiety. Games, puzzles and open-ended questions transform classrooms into spaces where curiosity flourishes. Confidence grows when mistakes become part of learning. “Students sometimes arrive believing they are ‘not maths people’,” Pretorius says. “Changing that mindset requires patience and encouragement. Progress becomes visible once students understand that effort and persistence build mathematical ability.” Academic performance improves when students believe they can succeed. Mathematical confidence determines whether a student will attempt a challenging problem or avoid it entirely. Supportive classroom environments allow students to ask questions, test ideas and learn through trial and error. Teachers play a central role in shaping that environment. Encouraging discussion, celebrating creative thinking and analysing mistakes openly helps students develop resilience.
Celebrating multilingual education at Trinityhouse, where identity, inclusion and global readiness grow together. Experts: Samantha Nkosi, Raesetja Ntuli and Maché Piek (Trinityhouse Centurion Teachers) International Mother Language Day, celebrated annually on 21 February, offers schools across South Africa an opportunity to reflect on language inclusion, cultural diversity and identity. At Trinityhouse Schools, language education is not only about academic achievement. It is about building culturally confident, globally aware students who are proud of their roots. In the early years, language shape’s identity. When young children hear Sepedi, isiZulu, Afrikaans or their home language spoken in the classroom, they feel recognised and valued. Introducing home languages in Pre-Primary affirms cultural heritage at a critical stage of development. Children who encounter familiar words, songs and greetings settle more quickly into school life. Multilingual exposure through music, storytelling, indigenous games and augmented reality books strengthens vocabulary and builds early literacy foundations. Students explore the meaning of their names and surnames, deepening pride in their identity. When a child’s mother tongue is acknowledged, confidence grows. Participation increases. Classrooms become spaces where diversity is celebrated naturally. Early language inclusion supports emotional wellbeing and strengthens school readiness, creating confident students from the very beginning. As students’ progress through Preparatory School, continued development of home language skills alongside English strengthens academic performance. Research and classroom experience consistently show that students who maintain strong home language proficiency demonstrate improved comprehension, stronger reading skills and greater conceptual understanding. Teaching strategies such as repetition, guided group reading and small discussion circles allow multilingual students to participate without pressure. Students often explain concepts in Sepedi before bridging into English, reinforcing understanding and building academic confidence. Parents play a pivotal role in this journey. Daily reading in both English and home languages, storytelling and regular conversation strengthen vocabulary and cognitive development. A strong foundation in a home language enhances English acquisition rather than hindering it. Multilingual students develop cognitive flexibility, empathy and adaptability, essential skills in today’s interconnected world. Aligned with South Africa’s 11 official languages and a strong commitment to diversity in education, Trinityhouse continues to broaden its African language offerings. At Trinityhouse Centurion, Sepedi was introduced at Pre-Primary and Preparatory in 2019 and will be extended to Grade 8 in 2027. Offering Sepedi as a First Additional Language affirms students’ linguistic heritage within an academic setting. When students see their home language valued at high school level, it strengthens identity, belonging and pride. At the same time, multilingual students develop cultural awareness and global readiness. The Sepedi department will prepare students for the IEB National Senior Certificate examinations in their matric year. A structured academic pathway, rigorous assessment standards and active collaboration within the IEB Sepedi cluster across Pretoria and Gauteng will ensure consistency and academic excellence. Close cooperation between the Preparatory and High School departments will further support a smooth and well-coordinated implementation in 2027. Adolescence is a critical period of identity formation. Language inclusion directly influences student confidence, wellbeing and belonging. Being able to connect socially through a shared language reduces isolation and fosters community. Through Respect, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, Public Speaking, assembly celebrations and events such as Heritage Day Fire Feast, Trinityhouse creates spaces where students celebrate linguistic pride through praise poetry, storytelling and song. These moments strengthen engagement, participation and cultural appreciation. International Mother Language Day reminds us that language is more than communication. It is memory, belonging and identity. At Trinityhouse, raising globally competitive students who are proud of their heritage means ensuring that cultural identity and academic excellence walk hand in hand.
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