The lived experiences of bullying among secondary school learners at Malamulele East Circuit

Abstract

The rise of bullying in schools is a significant social challenge occurring worldwide. This study explored the lived experiences of bullying among learners at Govhu Secondary School, Gidjana Secondary School, and Madonsi High School in the Malamulele East Circuit, located in the Vhembe District Municipality. The study was qualitative in nature and used a phenomenological research design, enabling the researcher to explore the lived experiences of bullying among secondary school learners. A non-probability sampling method, specifically purposive sampling, was employed, allowing the researcher to select three schools from the eleven secondary schools in the circuit. Purposive sampling was also used to select the participants from the entire population. An interview guide was used to collect data. The semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, which were then thematically analysed. This study was guided by Social Learning Theory. The results of the study shows that bullying is a serious social challenge which keeps occurring in schools. Which results to unfavourable learning-teaching environment, and that requires collaboration of school management, parents, stakeholders and DOBE in order to minimize or prevent its occurrence.