Impact of Toddler’s Anti-Bullying Pledge

Do Sophie’s pre-schoolers understand what the anti-bullying pledge means? And, what is the impact of reciting the anti-bullying pledge daily at Sophie’s Creche? Does it even make a difference? Yes, it is breaking new ground at Sophie’s Creche!

Recently, a two-year old girl creche student told her teacher, "that boy is bullying me.”  Because she is just learning to speak, it was hard for the teachers to understand what she was saying.  The little girl got very frustrated and upset, and tried again to helplessly communicate why she was so upset. Finally, she pushed her teacher, and started crying. Message received, loud and clear!

As a result of this action, the teachers and Sophie made the little boy apologize to the girl and give her a hug. They also made the boy promise, he would never do that to other kids again. Sophie explains, the kids definitely do understand what the anti-bullying pledge means and the message is translated into their native language as well. Kids are taught to be kind. They are also taught that it’s not just physically hitting someone that hurts, words can hurt, too. 

Is she the only creche in South Africa that has taken the initiative to address bullying among pre-schoolers? Sophie talks to many Creche owners and they aren’t doing it. She probably is the only Creche in South Africa with an Anti-Bullying Pledge. Sophie’s Creche is quite the trail blazer. When the government needed a creche to sing the national anthem, guess whose creche was the only creche in South Africa who could sing it?

For that accomplishment, the government gave Sophie's Creche hot dogs!

“I like to teach real things,” Sophie emphasizes. She wants her students to learn practical skills and be aware of everyday issues that can be challenging. Whether it’s learning to sit at a table and eat your meal with utensils or dealing with violence in South African schools, Sophie wants to give them the tools to prepare for life in and beyond school.

Sophie is tackling bullying head on, by preparing toddlers on how to deal with bullying and replacing bullying with kindness.