Triston Fortune, deputy president of the Children’s Parliament, Western Cape Child Ambassador
There is a growing crisis within our schools, and it is one that can no longer be ignored.
Every day, children across our country and our province walk into environments where they face bullying, mental health struggles, and, in tragic cases, suicide. I’d list them all, but the list doesn’t stop. Schools are meant to be a place of safety, growth, and opportunity, yet they have become places of silence and fear.
I’ve spoken to many pupils, each revealing the tragic realities that children are facing. One boy shared how his friend told him she’d take her own life after her teacher revealed her marks to the class; she did. I make it a priority to speak to children about issues they are facing, because if I don’t, who will?
We cannot continue treating these incidents as isolated cases or temporary stories. When are we going to open our eyes and see that these are signs of a much deeper issue affecting the well-being of an entire generation?
Children are not “just children”. They’re the future of our province and country. They’re the future leaders, teachers, innovators, parents, and changemakers. Please remember that the way we treat children today will directly shape the society we live in tomorrow.
If urgent action is not taken, there will be consequences. Revealing themselves through trauma, violence, broken communities, and lost potential. A generation raised in silence and fear cannot be expected to build a thriving and healthy future.
As the Deputy President of Children’s Parliament and Child Ambassador, I believe that it’s our responsibility to speak up for those who are ignored or silenced.
Stronger systems are needed to protect our children. We need better access to mental health support within all schools, accountability for violence, safer reporting systems, and, most importantly, we need our government and adults to listen before more children’s lives are harmed or lost.
This is not simply a school issue. It’s a societal issue, and the longer we wait, the more damage will be done to our children, our country’s future.
To every adult reading this: let the children know that their safety, their voice, and their lives matter.
To those in positions of leadership and authority, the time for awareness has long passed. It is time for action.
The future of our province and our country is sitting in our classrooms today. We cannot afford to fail them.
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