Film and Publications Board urges public not to share viral bullying video
The Film and Publications Board had warned against sharing a viral bullying video filmed at Milnerton High School, highlighting the legal ramifications and the urgent need for online safety.
Image: File
The Film and Publications Board (FPB) has issued a strong warning to the public against circulating a video showing a violent bullying incident between learners, following the widely shared footage allegedly filmed at Milnerton High School in Cape Town.
The video, which has been shared on several social media platforms, shows one learner hitting another with a stick, sparking national outrage and raising concerns about the safety of children. Footage of another alleged incident at the school has also emerged.
The Board stated that South Africans must be aware that sharing such material constitutes a criminal offence under the Films and Publications Act, 1996 (Act No. 65 of 1996), as amended.
According to the FPB, Section 18G of the Act “prohibits the distribution of content (video or photo) depicting violence against children”, while Section 24F provides that anyone found guilty of distributing such content “will be liable for a fine of up to R150 000 or up to two years imprisonment”.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Hulisani Ramugadi expressed concern about the growing spread of harmful online material targeting children and other vulnerable groups.
“The distribution of the material underlines the continuing and unprecedented trend of online harms directed at children and other vulnerable groups, including women and people with disabilities,” she said.
Ramugadi further stated that the FPB is “gearing ourselves up to aggressively deal with these online harms so that we have a safer online environment for the entire South African public”.
She added, “Being online is a human right issue which every South African should enjoy whether for social, economic, or educational purpose.”
The FPB confirmed that it has contacted social media platforms to remove the video and will monitor compliance to ensure that no further dissemination takes place.
“Members of the public are advised not to share, re-post or distribute the said video in any form”, the statement read, warning that anyone who does so “will equally be guilty for the dissemination or distribution of prohibited content.”
The Board urged the public to report harmful or prohibited online material to hotline@fpb.org.za.
Meanwhile, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as shocking and unacceptable. The party said it was “deeply disturbed and saddened by the shocking incident at Milnerton High School, where a 16-year-old learner was allegedly assaulted by a group of older boys.”
The IFP extended its sympathies to the victim and his family, calling for “swift and decisive action from both the Western Cape Department of Education and law enforcement authorities to ensure justice is served”.
The party welcomed the precautionary suspension of eight learners allegedly involved but stressed that “disciplinary processes must go hand in hand with criminal accountability where warranted”.
The IFP also highlighted the need to strengthen school safety and psychosocial support. It urged authorities to “intensify the rollout of learner support and psychosocial programmes, to strengthen partnerships with parents and communities, and to implement anti-bullying and violence-prevention frameworks in all schools”.
The party reaffirmed its stance that “the safety of learners must be a non-negotiable priority”, adding that rebuilding respect and ubuntu within homes, schools, and communities is essential to tackling violence among learners and promoting a culture of discipline and compassion.