Exploring the Effects of Bullying on Primary School Pupils in South Africa

This study investigated the causes and effects of bullying on primary school pupils in Waterval village in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Qualitative method with purposive sampling was used as a subtype of non-probability sampling. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis which identifies and summarises message contents from respondents. Participants in the study were parents, teachers, community members and the pupils with the permission from their School Governing Board (SGB). The study found that it was difficult to know about cases of bullying at school as many of them were not reported. It was revealed that bullying affects school pupils’ performance and concentration in class as many of them are traumatised. The study recommends that creation of awareness and providing a conducive environment for recreational activities at schools and community, while encouraging and rewarding well-behaved pupils at schools and in the community will curb the menace of bullying at schools.