A new docuseries titled School Ties premiered on M-Net (DSTV channel 101) on Thursday 16 May. Experts from the docuseries have shared four reasons why School Ties is a must-watch for parents.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ‘SCHOOL TIES’
New docuseries School Ties dives into the sexual abuse and grooming of boys in some of South Africa’s most prestigious boys’ schools.
“School Ties is a four-part docuseries that explores grooming and sexual abuse by sports coaches at South Africa’s elite boys’ schools. While virtually all schools in the country will grapple with sexual misconduct at some point, abuse that happens in the most prestigious schools tends to be well hidden,” reads the synopsis of the series.
“And has perpetrators who therefore get away with it for many years – leaving many harmed boys in their wake,” it added.
School Ties is broadcasted on M-Net (DSTV channel 101) in four parts from 16 May at 21:00.
FOUR REASONS WHY THE DOCUSERIES IS A MUST-WATCH FOR PARENTS
Experts have shared four reasons why the series is must-watch for parents.
- BOYS CAN BE VICTIMS
Robyn Vorster, founder of For the Voiceless and advocate for the rights of vulnerable children said: “School Ties acknowledges that boys can be victims, unpacks their vulnerabilities, challenges conventions around boyhood and what makes you a man and, above all, searches for solutions to keep boys safer in school and during sport. Sensitively told, it places the victims at the centre of each episode, dignifying and giving them voice, to raise awareness and use their stories to effect change.”
2. ABUSE OF BOY CHILDREN IN SOUTH AFRICA EXCEEDS GIRLS, BUT LEFT UNDISCLOSED
Marita Rademeyer, a clinical psychologist who has been working with children and families affected by trauma and abuse for the past 30 years said:
“The Optimus Foundation did a study in South Africa which found that across all forms of sexual abuse (ranging from rape to online sexual abuse), the abuse of boy children exceeds that of girl children. Boys just do not disclose. The timing of release of School Ties is important, as it starts in SA Child Protection Month and finishes in SA Youth Month – though we should be aware of the mental and physical wellbeing of our children at all times.”
3. AIMS TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE
Colonel Heila Niemand, Lead Investigating Officer of Operation Nemo, and head of the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit for SAPS, said:
“School Ties is a stark exposé of how insidious sexual abuse in schools is, and I hope that it helps bring about change to create a safe and supportive environment where survivors feel empowered to share their stories and seek help. Let’s work together to break the silence and create a culture of consent, respect and equality.”
4. ATTEMPTS TO HOLD PEOPLE WHO COVER UP ABUSE ACCOUNTABLE
Olivia Jasriel, former international tennis player, renowned as a trailblazer for historical abuse cases, said:
“As adults, we fail our children if we’re not aware of the impact the world around them has on them. Abuse in schools and at sporting facilities happens silently and over time. This abuse affects not only the children who are abused but has an effect on the community, the economy and the generations that follow the abused. There are times when it seems like it will never be stopped, but by starting to hold the people who cover the abuse up, accountable, we can save children’s futures and lives.”
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