South Africa’s children are growing up in the shadow of violence. According to recent South African Police Service crime statistics for the 2024/2025 reporting period revealed that rape accounts for approximately 38% of all reported crimes committed against children, while assault and related violent offences make up almost 45% of crimes against minors. These are not just numbers. They point to a generation of children being exposed to trauma, aggression and instability at incredibly young ages. And increasingly, that violence is spilling into spaces that are meant to feel safe, including schools and early childhood development centres. From bullying and emotional aggression to physical altercations among young learners, many educators are raising concerns about the normalisation of violent behaviour in childhood environments. We are joined in conversation with Lazola Makhupula.