Words hold immense power — they can uplift, heal and inspire, or they can wound, isolate and destroy. During May, RADA continues its mission to raise awareness around bullying and the deep impact our words, actions, and silence can have on others.
From schoolyards to cyberspace, classrooms to corporate corridors, bullying remains a pervasive global issue. It manifests in various forms — verbal jabs, physical intimidation, cyber harassment and social exclusion — each leaving profound and lasting impacts. In South Africa, over 3.2 million learners experience bullying annually, with more than 67% of these victims not reporting their abuse, believing it won’t make a difference. Notably, 16% of learners admit to being victims of cyberbullying. Bullying transcends age, background and community, affecting a broad spectrum of individuals.
The conversation around bullying involves three key roles: the bully, the bullied and the bystander. Each one holds the power to shift the narrative.
Bullies often operate from a place of fear, insecurity, or past trauma — using aggression to mask their inner struggles. To build their own self-esteem or sense of power, they seek to belittle and control others. But true strength is never found in tearing someone down; it lies in self-awareness, empathy, and the conscious choice to uplift and empower those around us.
For those on the receiving end of bullying, know this: your worth is not defined by the words or actions of others. Find your voice. Reclaim your space. You are never alone. There is courage in standing up — for yourself and for others.
And to the bystanders: silence is not without consequence — it echoes louder than you think. Indifference fuels the cycle. Whether online or in person, when you witness bullying and choose not to act, you give it permission to continue. Be an upstander. Be the voice that breaks the silence, the hand that lifts someone up.
RADA’s anti-bullying campaign actively spreads awareness by distributing powerful video content to high schools across South Africa. Since launching mid-2023, the initiative has already reached almost 930,000 learners — encouraging empathy, compassion and respectful communication. The movement is growing and so is the impact.
We all have a role to play. Whether it’s offering kindness, calling out harmful behaviour, or supporting someone in need — positive change begins with a single act, a single voice, a single day.
Be the Way …Be the Change …One Day at a Time.
