Cyberbullying has become one of the most pressing challenges facing South African schools. Unlike traditional bullying, it is not confined to the playground or classroom; it follows learners into their homes and onto their phones, often leaving victims feeling trapped and powerless. The rise of social media and instant messaging platforms has significantly amplified their reach and impact, prompting schools to reassess how discipline, education, and prevention strategies are implemented. While disciplinary hearings provide a mechanism to hold perpetrators accountable, the ultimate goal must be to prevent cyberbullying before it occurs. 

The Legal and Policy Framework 

Schools in South Africa are guided by several laws when addressing cyberbullying. The South African Schools Act (SASA) requires each school to adopt a Code of Conduct that governs learner behaviour, including misconduct that occurs online but affects the school community. The Protection from Harassment Act and the Cybercrimes Act provide additional legal tools for addressing online conduct that amounts to harassment or criminal activity. The Children’s Act emphasises the duty of care schools owe to learners, ensuring they are protected from harm, neglect, or abuse. Together, these laws create a framework within which schools must operate, striking a balance between learners’ rights and the need to maintain discipline and a safe environment. 

Disciplinary Hearings for Cyberbullying 

When allegations of cyberbullying arise, schools may convene disciplinary hearings. These hearings serve both to protect the victim and to provide due process to the accused learner. 

Learners facing a hearing are entitled to notice of the charges, an opportunity to prepare a defence, representation (often by a parent or guardian), and a fair chance to respond to evidence. Hearings must comply with procedural fairness and cannot unduly disrupt a learner’s right to education. 

If found guilty, sanctions may range from warnings and detention to suspension or, in extreme cases, a recommendation of expulsion. Importantly, hearings are not only punitive; many schools incorporate restorative justice, encouraging reflection, apology, and rehabilitation alongside disciplinary action. The challenge lies in gathering reliable digital evidence and ensuring hearings do not become adversarial at the expense of learners’ well-being. 

Challenges in Addressing Cyberbullying 

Schools face several difficulties when dealing with cyberbullying through disciplinary processes. Digital evidence can be manipulated, anonymous accounts make it hard to identify perpetrators, and misconduct often occurs outside of school premises. Furthermore, some schools struggle to follow due process in hearings, undermining their legitimacy. 

Another challenge is finding the balance between punishment and rehabilitation. A purely punitive approach risks alienating learners and failing to address underlying behavioural issues, while overly lenient measures may not deter future misconduct or reassure victims. 

Preventing Cyberbullying in Schools 

While disciplinary hearings are an important tool, prevention remains the most effective strategy. Schools can adopt a multi-layered approach to minimise the occurrence of cyberbullying. 

Clear Policies 

Each school’s Code of Conduct should explicitly include cyberbullying and outline consequences for misconduct. Device-use and internet policies should be clear, updated regularly, and communicated to both learners and parents. 

Education and Awareness 

Learners, parents, and staff must be educated on what constitutes cyberbullying, the harm it causes, and how it can be reported. Digital citizenship programming, teaching respectful online behaviour, empathy, and the permanence of digital content, can foster a culture of responsibility. 

Accessible Reporting Mechanisms 

Victims and bystanders should feel safe to report incidents of cyberbullying. Anonymous reporting channels can encourage disclosure while protecting learners who fear retaliation. 

Support Systems 

Counselling services for victims and behavioural support for perpetrators are essential. Engaging parents ensures consistency between school and home in addressing problematic behaviour. 

Staff Training 

Teachers and principals require training to identify cyberbullying, collect and handle digital evidence appropriately, and conduct disciplinary hearings fairly and effectively. Awareness of learners’ legal rights is critical to ensure hearings are procedurally sound. 

Creating a Positive School Culture 

Ultimately, prevention depends on fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, where schools promote diversity, empathy, and peer accountability. As a result, bullying, whether online or offline, becomes socially unacceptable. 

Conclusion 

Cyberbullying is a complex and evolving issue in South African schools. While disciplinary hearings are a necessary mechanism for accountability, they are not sufficient on their own. Actual progress lies in prevention: through robust policies, education, support structures, and a school culture grounded in respect. By combining legal compliance with proactive strategies, schools can protect learners from the long-lasting harm of cyberbullying while equipping them to be responsible digital citizens. 

Written by Robyn Shepherd; Attorney: Technology, Family Law; SchoemanLaw Inc