Student bullying and anxiety concerns rise during school returns

As students return to classes, data from South Africa and the United Kingdom highlight rising concerns regarding student wellbeing and bullying.

In South Africa, online searches for “school bullying” surged by 202% in a single week coinciding with the start of the third school term on 21 July. Research indicates that approximately 40% of South African students have experienced cyberbullying, while 67% of teenagers have witnessed it. Physical bullying also remains prevalent, with studies showing between 22% and 33% of primary schoolchildren reported being physically hit by peers.

In the United Kingdom, data from the NSPCC’s Childline service shows that returning to school or college was mentioned in more than 1,500 counselling sessions between April 2025 and March 2026. Emotional wellbeing was the primary concern in 39% of those sessions. Anxiety levels typically peak in August as families prepare for the new academic year.