By Shudu Musida
Bullying leaves lasting scars on the mental health of children, often shaping the course of their lives. As someone who endured severe bullying, I understand the deep emotional toll it takes. Once a carefree child affectionately nicknamed “Happy Shudu,” my joy was shattered when I moved to a new school. There, I faced relentless mockery for my appearance and speech. Even my once-beloved afro became a source of shame.
The impact of bullying turned me into a shadow of my former self—a transformation far too many children experience today. Globally, half of all children face some form of violence during childhood, including bullying, sexual violence, and neglect. In South Africa, nearly one in five young people endure persistent bullying, with girls disproportionately affected.
A Global Wake-Up Call
The statistics are alarming, yet societal outrage remains insufficient. Thankfully, a historic moment approaches: global leaders will convene to address violence against children. This conference offers hope for actionable commitments, such as addressing the root causes of violence, enhancing school safety measures, and providing resources for trauma recovery.
South Africa’s Role
South Africa has made strides in protecting children, being one of 65 countries to ban corporal punishment in all settings. However, more work is needed to challenge the normalization of violence and reduce the stigma around mental health. By fostering education in schools and communities, we can move closer to a future free of childhood violence.
A Call to Action
This conference is an opportunity for South Africa to lead the charge in safeguarding children. Every child deserves to feel valued and protected, not just reduced to a statistic. Political leaders must turn promises into action, ensuring children everywhere know they are seen, heard, and supported.
Together, we can fulfill our responsibility to secure every child’s right to a safe and happy childhood, making this vision a global reality.