However, the restrictions imposed on in-person learning due to the pandemic forced many lecturers to revise their views on online learning, as online learning technology rapidly became the main mode of delivery in higher education. Students are increasingly learning remotely and attending in person in the classroom on a rotational basis, if at all.

All indications are that today’s tech-savvy youth are adapting well to the new modes of learning. However, the increased use of online technology comes with new challenges, such as the psychosocial impacts of a drastic reduction in physical contact and in-person, real-time communication and the impact on health and well-being of reduced physical activity and exercise that comes with spending more time indoors.

Another challenge increasingly experienced online, particularly by users of social media platforms, is cyberbullying. People of all ages, students and employees, are being subjected to bullying behaviour. Except for the point of contact being virtual, cyberbullying is identical in intent and effect to physical experiences of bullying in the classroom, office, sports field or playground.

Cyberbullies use technology to access, harass, threaten, embarrass or otherwise target a person to cause hurt and fear and damage reputations. The weapons used are text messages, emails, photos, videos and website postings. The clever ones use provocative tags, messages and images to pique interest on social media platforms and ensure that attacks can rapidly go viral and inflict maximum damage. In many cases, the perpetrator, who may not even be in the same country as the victim, hides behind aliases and fake identities and cannot be physically confronted. They are aided by the fact that many countries have been slow to criminalise cyberbullying and even in those that have, there have been few successful prosecutions of cyberbullies. South Africa recently passed the Cybercrimes Act but it has not yet come into effect.

The damage caused by cyberbullying is largely psychological and reputational and the effects can be devastating, ranging from anger, embarrassment and loss of confidence to anxiety, depression and even suicide.

College communities have a responsibility to cultivate and promote a climate of respect and tolerance. No student has the right to bully others and every student is entitled to a nurturing, supportive and protected learning environment. It is critical to educate students to be able to look out for signs of cyberbullying, to know how to deal with it, and how and where to seek help if attacked.

Dumisani Lutweyi, the Student Support Services Manager, and the Student Representative Council of False Bay TVET College have initiated an anti-cyberbullying strategy. A three-week awareness campaign was rolled out on social media platforms supported by WhatsApp posts, posters and student face-to-face advocacy. Each week was associated with a different theme: ‘What is Cyberbullying’, ‘How to break the cycle’ and ‘What are the consequences’.

Emphasising the College’s zero-tolerance approach, Lutweyi says: “As per the College Student Code of Conduct, no intimidation, physical or emotional threats or bullying will be tolerated. Corrective measures will be taken against the perpetrator and with the support of Campus Student Support Officers, we will continue to look at measures to eradicate all types of bullying, look at corrective behavioural measures for accomplices and support those who have been wronged.”

Expressing the support of the SRC, Executive Secretary, Carin Rudolph, says: “Social media has become one of the biggest platforms where people are being shamed and hurt by others. By standing together we can break the cycle of hurtful behaviour. We need to step up to end cyberbullying. It’s never too late to be kind.”

Students who have been victimised or wish to report the victimisation of others can contact the Student Support Services office. There are also Higher Health coordinators on some of the campuses and a 24-hour hotline to call for psychosocial support. Higher Health can be contacted at 0800 36 36 36 or SMS 43336.

Have you ever heard of Tall Poppy Syndrome? It’s a term used to describe the strange situation that occurs when a person deserving of praise is instead criticized, put down, attacked, etc. by haters or negatrons, as I like to call them. This usually happens when a person decides to create new habits, or simply achieves more than before. In other words, they stand out from the crowd—or figuratively—grow too tall in a field of equal-sized poppy’s.

If you ever choose to do something grandiose that others around you are too afraid to do themselves, get ready for the haters. Sadly, this experience can also occur with something as simple as waking up earlier, not drinking alcohol as often, or starting an online business. In my experience since venturing off into the world of solopreneurship and creating a Freedom Lifestyle, I’ve experienced my fair share of negative comments, criticism, and even subliminal jealousy.

While a good percentage of your friends and network will be supportive of your desire to grow, others will automatically make snarky comments, and will be the first to bring down your latest successes and accomplishments. It’s simply a natural, gut-level reaction for a person who lives in a state of envy—a bonafide hater. And while they may not entirely intend to sound or behave this way, it can and will affect you. 

You may also notice that the people you assumed would be the most supportive and want to celebrate alongside you are actually the most hesitant. What an interesting phenomenon!

On the other hand, a lot of new faces may appear to tell you how proud, inspired, or excited they are for you. When I committed to becoming a solopreneur after realizing there were more than enough solid reasons to make the leap, I was grateful to receive so many positive comments from friends, and even friends of friends.

Yet why is it so common that your best friends, colleagues—perhaps even your own family—are the most apathetic about your success and newly chosen path? Well, it looks like you’ve grown too tall, friendo. You’re no longer part of the same peer group. You’re no longer there to commiserate and sympathize with the old daily struggles.

Here’s the cold, hard truth: This isn’t going to change. Be prepared. The more you grow, the more haters you will attract and the more negative, snarky comments you will receive.

Surround yourself with more positive people (ideally through a mastermind) and set higher standards every single day. The key to success is having a peer group that challenges you, motivates you, and is there to celebrate and congratulate you throughout the journey.

Remember this truth:

You are the average of the five people you associate with the most. Are the five people you’re currently spending the most time with aligned with your vision for success?

Have you seen The Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith before? The underlying principle of this film can be summed up in this quote by Will Smith’s character:

“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something…You got a dream? You gotta protect it. If people can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.”

This is a beautiful scene for many reasons, but ultimately, Will Smith’s character is warning his son to never listen to any haters. Even he, as a loving and supportive father, could be at risk of discouraging someone he loves from his own dreams.

Protect your dreams. Onward and upward.