School Ties experts share why the series is a must-watch for parents
School Ties – a ground-breaking and harrowing four-part documentary series about the grooming and sexual abuse of learners at some of South Africa’s most prestigious boys’ schools – comes to M-Net (DStv channel 101) from 16 May at 21:00.
Here’s why you need to watch:
Robyn Vorster, founder of For the Voiceless and advocate for the rights of vulnerable children:
“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.”
Marita Rademeyer, a clinical psychologist who has been working with children and families affected by trauma and abuse for the past 30 years
“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.”
Colonel Heila Niemand, Lead Investigating Officer of Operation Nemo, and head of the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit for SAPS
“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.”
Olivia Jasriel, former international tennis player, renowned as a trailblazer for historical abuse cases
“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.”
School Ties aims to bring into focus the solutions and interventions that need to be adopted to safeguard learners at schools. Although the tragedies that have occurred are heart-breaking, there is the opportunity to ensure that we review and address the systems that should be protecting learners.
School Ties premieres on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) on Thursday, 16 May at 9pm, as well as live-stream on DStv Stream, and watch it on DStv Catch Up after broadcast.
Visit the M-Net website and join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. #Mnet101 #SchoolTies
