FREE 4 ALL Senior & FET Phase newspaper - May 2024

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An atom has PROTONS, NEUTRONS AND ELECTRONS to make up its atomic mass.

Protons carry a POSITIVE ELECTRIC CHARGE and are found in the nucleus of the atom.

Neutrons have no electric charge (they are electrically neutral) and are also located in the nucleus alongside protons. Electrons carry a NEGATIVE ELECTRIC charge and orbit the nucleus of the atom in electron shells or energy levels.

ENERGY CANNOT BE CREATED OR DESTROYED, ONLY TRANSFORMED FROM ONE FORM TO ANOTHER.

OF

YOUknow. #Science

A single bolt of lightning contains enough energy to toast 100 000 slices of bread.

Plastics are made of long chains of molecules called poly mers.

T h ese polymers can be found in everything from water bottles to clothing.

SUNSCREENS on our skin work by absorbing or reflecting ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS contain organic compounds that absorb UV radiation. These sunscreens are absorbed into the skin. They absorb UV before they can harm the skin.

PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS contain minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that act as a barrier or reflect UV radiation away from the skin.

Bananas contain a small amount of the radioactive isotope POTASSIUM - 40. However, you would need to eat a massive amount of bananas to be at any risk.

The magical colours of fireworks are produced by different metal salts.

For example, strontium salts produce red, copper salts produce blue, and barium salts produce green.

Scientists can use genetic engineering techniques to modify the DNA of organisms. This provides a solution to farmers by adjusting the genetic disorders in crops that are the staple diet of big countries.

Water is one of the only substances that is less dense as a solid (ice) than as a liquid, which is why ice floats on water.

THE BRAIN IS OFTEN LIKENED TO A SUPERCOMPUTER. IT PROCESSES INFORMATION, STORES MEMORIES, AND CONTROLS BODY FUNCTIONS – ALL AT LIGHTNING SPEED.

WEIGHING IN AT AROUND 2.5 KG, THE BRAIN IS THE MOST ENERGY-INTENSIVE ORGAN IN THE BODY.

The TEENAGE BRAIN undergoes profound changes in areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control and emotional regulation. This can lead to risk-taking behaviours and mood swings characteristic of adolescence.

Getting enough sleep is crucial for TEENAGE BRAIN health. During sleep, the brain performs maintenance tasks necessary for funcoptimal tioning.

TEENAGERS often have a shift in their sleep-wake cycle, AKA delayed sleep phase syndrome. This makes it difficult to fall asleep early at night and wake up early in the morning.

Physical exercise is essential for the TEENAGE BRAIN. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates the release of growth factors that promote neuroplasticity. This makes you think better.

your SUPER COMPUTER

The TEENAGE BRAIN is more susceptible to the effects of drugs and alcohol than the adult brain. The frontal lobes, which are responsible for impulse control stilldecision-making,andare developing during adolescence.

Despite its relative small size, the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and glucose to function. Even a brief interruption in blood flow can have profound effects on brain function.

The amygdala, located deep within the brain’s temporal lobes, plays a key role in processing emotions, especially fear and aggression. It’s highly active during ADOLESCENCE, contributing to heightened emotional responses and outbursts.

PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS:

This plays a big role in attraction. Evolutionary psychology suggests that we unconsciously seek a partner we think will be a good ‘breeding’ partner.

CHEMISTRY:

Laws of ATTRACTION

There are NO real laws of attraction in the same way there are laws of physics, BUT there are some basic rules that apply to being attracted to someone.

RECIPROCITY:

When you feel that your interest is being returned it can increase your interest.

CONFIDENCE:

We respond to people who are confident and self-assured.

This refers to the undefinable ‘click’ that can exist between two people. You ‘get’ each other!

SIMILARITY:

YOU ARE OFTEN ATTRACTED TO AND CONNECT WITH SOMEONE WHO SHARES SIMILAR INTERESTS AND VALUES,

Quick Quiz

KINDNESS AND WARMTH: willWeallrespondtoemotionsand someonefeelasenseofsecuritywith who is warm and kind.

PROXIMITY:

The more you come into contact with someone, the more likely you are to feel an attraction.

Here is a very simple quiz to help you figure out if you’re attracted to someone:

• Do you find yourself thinking about them often, even when they’re not around?

• Do you feel nervous or excited when you’re around them?

• Do you feel a strong emotional connection with them?

• Do you enjoy spending time with them and feel happy when you’re together?

• Do you feel a physical reaction when you see them, like butterflies in your stomach or a racing heartbeat?

• Do you find yourself wanting to impress them or make them laugh?

IfyouansweredYES tomostofthesequestions,it’slikelythat attractedtothatperson.Remember,attractioncanbebothphysicalandemotional, andit’scompletelynormaltofeelthesethingswhenyou’reinterestedinsomeone.

The LONG and the SHORT of it!

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or series of words.

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF ABBREVIATIONS:

ACRONYM:

The word is made up of the first letter of the words eg:

SCUBA = Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus

GIF = Graphics Interchange Format

AIDS = Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

THE DIFFERENCE:

Say the abbreviation out loud. Doyousayitasoneword–or as a series of letters? An ACRONYM is a single wordspokenandan INITIALISM iswhenyou sayaseriesofletters.

HOW MANY INITIALISMS CAN YOU FIND IN THE BELOW STORY?

INITIALISM:

This is an abbreviation where the first letter of a number of words is used instead of saying the whole name our loud eg:

LOL = Laugh Out Loud

KFC = Kentucky Fried Chicken

USA = United States of America

There was a girl in RSA named Jess who was totally obsessed with FB. She was always on her phone. One day, she got a DM from her BFF, saying they should head for the mall. Jess answered.‘Let’s go ASAP!’ Their ETA was set for after lunch. They met up, and Jess was wearing her fave OOTD ordered from the USA. As they strolled through the mall, Jess clocked her crush, Josh. OMG, her heart was racing! Amy nudged her. ‘Go and talk to him.’ TBH Jess was nervous, but decided YOLO. Afterward, Jess and Amy hit the food court for some pizza. They were ROFLing about their awkward encounters and sharing gossip.

TBH It was the best day ever! She realised that sometimes, the best moments happen IRL, not just online.

Get AVOs to ripen quickly!

Let’s get those avocados ripe, quicker than ever, and check out how! Believe it or not, it’s all about the chemistry.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 5 very firm avocados

• 1 banana • 1 apple

• 3 brown paper bags

• a fridge

WHAT YOU DO:

1 Take note of the appearance of each avocado.

2 Place one avocado on the counter; one on a shelf in the fridge; one in a brown paper bag; one in a brown paper bag with an apple; one in a brown paper bag with a banana.

3 Write down the time and date you begin your experiment.

4 Check your avocados daily and note changes in the appearance, smell, and texture of each avocado.

RESULTS:

• The avocado in the bag with the banana should have ripened first.

• The avocado in the bag with the apple should have ripened second.

• The avocado in the brown bag alone, third, with the avocado left on the counter close behind.

• The avocado in the fridge should have been last to ripen.

HOW THE SCIENCE WORKS!

• Different fruits give off different amounts of ethylene gas as they ripen.

• The avocados in the bag with the other fruit ripened more quickly because there is extra ethylene gas in the bag.

• The bananas won because they give off slightly more ethylene gas than apples.

• The avocado on its own in the bag came third because the bag trapped the avocado’s ethylene gas.

• The refrigerated avocado came last because cold temperatures slow down the release of ethylene gas.

A GMO crop is the product of a scientific adjustment and improvement technique. This allows the scientists to take a good trait (like being insect-resistant or drought-tolerant) and transfer it permanently into a crop plant. THE PLANT OR CROP HAS HAD ITS DNA ALTERED IN A LABORATORY.

What does

I SCIENCE GMO stand for?

1 2

BENEFITS OF GMO ENVIRONMENT

GMOs help us preserve the environment as well as getting more crop yields for less money.

GMOs help reduce food waste, eg. GMO potatoes are less prone to bruising and black spots – so there is less supermarket wastage.

1 2

HUMANS

LOWERS THE COST OF FOOD

All products are cheaper for the end consumer.

MORE FOOD IS GROWN SAFELY AND SUSTAINABLY

Stats show that farmers have increased the crop yields by over 20% over the last 20 years. Pesticide usage has dropped significantly which is good for production and healthier for the consumer.

3

INCREASED NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS

There is more food. This addresses the universal food scarcity issues.

Maize, soybean and cotton are the only GM crops currently grown in South Africa. Many other products are imported.

MAIZE

Corn is one of the most heavily modified crops.

Human products containing corn include: beer, salad dressing, margarine, flour and anything that uses corn syrup. It is also used for farming stock food.

SOY

90% of soybeans sold have been genetically-modified to be resistant to weed killers. Soy is found in processed foods such as confectionary, breads, potato chips and as stockfeed for pigs and poultry.

OTHER COMMON MODIFIED FOODS

Time to THINK

See if you can solve these …

1 Allmytiesareredexcept two. All my ties are blue except two. All my ties are brown except two.How many ties do I have?

2 If yesterday had been Wednesday’s tomorrow and tomorrow is Sunday’s yesterday, what day would today be?

3 Three very large ladies were walking under one tiny umbrella. Why didn’tanyofthemgetwet?

ANSWERS:

6 What animal eats with a tail?

4 Which is correct? THE YOLK OF AN EGG IS WHITE or THE YOKE OF AN EGG ARE WHITE?

5 A GIRAFFE AND ITS OFFSPRING ARE WALKING IN THE BUSH. THE LITTLE GIRAFFE SAYS TO THE ELEPHANT ‘I AM THE DAUGHTER OF THIS GIRAFFE, ALTHOUGH THIS GIRAFFE IS NOT MY MOTHER.’ HOW CAN THIS BE?

7 If Jay’s peacock jumps over the fence and lays an egg in Mike’s garden, whose egg is it?

8 If I take two apples out of a basket of six apples, how many apples do I have?

6 All animals eat, and most of them have tails, 7 Peacocks don’t lay eggs, 8 two

1 three ties, 3 Friday, 2 It wasn’t raining, 4 Both are wrong – the yolk of an egg is yellow, 5 The giraffe is his father,

INTERESTING

JOBS Check out these unusual scientific occupations.

CRYOBIOLOGIST: Studies the effects of low temperatures on living organisms and tissues. This may involve cryopreservation – the freezing of eggs, sperm or organs.

ASTROBIOLOGIST: Investigates the potential for life in the universe and searches for signs of life on other planets.

CETOLOGIST: Focuses on marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins and porpoises, examining their behaviour, biology and ecology.

BIOACOUSTICIAN: Studies sound in biological systems, such as animal communication and echolocation in marine mammals.

OLFACTORY SCIENTIST: Studies the sense of smell, exploring how smells affect us, as well as developing new fragrances.

PALEOLIMNOLOGIST: Examines the history of bodies of freshwater and other data to understand past environmental conditions.

Study Tips Based on Your Learning Style

Find your learning style and discover the best way to study – your way.

1. I learn best when the teacher:

a) Writes notes on the board.

b) Uses diagrams to explain the concept.

c) Teaches through an interactive activity.

d) Discusses the content and asks questions.

2. I struggle to remember information if:

a) The teacher only gives spoken instructions.

b) The study material focusses on too much text without visuals.

c) The lesson plan doesn’t include hands-on activities.

d) The teacher doesn’t explain work verbally.

3. In a group project I tend to:

a) Take notes during discussions and create a project plan.

b) Design the presentation, source images, and create diagrams.

c) Put the project together and build prototypes.

d) Lead group discussions and take the lead in speeches.

4. My favourite assignments involve:

a) Essays, exams or tests.

b) Art projects, posters or drawing.

c) Experiments, demonstrations or acting.

d) Listening comprehensions or speeches.

5. I focus better in class if:

a) I take notes.

b) I sketch, doodle, or make diagrams.

c) I bounce my leg or do something with my hands.

d) I ask questions and have discussions with the teacher.

6. When I explain info to others, I:

a) Summarise the info into bullet points.

b) Sketch it out or use a visual reference.

c) Physically demonstrate the idea.

d) Use metaphors or start a discussion.

Mostly As – Reading & Writing Learner. Tips to study better:

• Rewrite and summarise notes in your own words.

• Translate charts or diagrams into words.

• Write down key concepts and ideas.

• Review your notes with other students.

Mostly Bs – Visual Learner. Tips to study better:

• Colour-code notes.

• Summarise info into diagrams.

• Use flashcards.

• Watch infographic YouTube videos.

Mostly Cs – Kinaesthetic Learner. Tips to study better:

• Take frequent breaks.

• Try pacing while memorising content.

• Make games out of your learning material.

• Keep your hands busy while you learn.

Mostly Ds – You’re an Auditory Learner. Tips to study better:

• Repeat content back to yourself.

• Teach content to other people.

• Join study groups and discussions.

• Listen to videos or podcasts about the topic.

Whatever your learning style may be, and however you choose to study, The IIE’s Varsity College caters to you.

We consider what each student is passionate about and what makes them thrive to create an experience that allows them to grow into their best.

Choose education by design; speak to a student advisor today!

IT’S TIME FOR THAT DREADED ENGLISH ORAL OR SPEECH IN FRONT OF YOUR CLASSMATES. IT’S NERVE-WRACKING, ESPECIALLY AS THERE IS NO AUDIENCE MORE CRITICAL THAN YOUR PEERS – BUT HEY, WITH A FEW TIPS, YOU CAN ACE IT!

Say WHAT ...

CHOOSE A COOL TOPIC

You know your classmates – so choose something that will interest them!

BE ENTHUSIASTIC

If you choose something that interests YOU –you will sell them the speech. It’s sometimes the ‘sizzle not the steak’ that makes it work!

STRUCTURE YOUR SPEECH

Have a clear introduction, body and conclusion. Be logical – start at the beginning …

START STRONG

GRAB THEIR ATTENTION! IF YOU START WITH A SHOCKING FACT OR A PERSONAL QUESTION – IT MAKES THEM SIT UP AND TAKE NOTE!

PRACTISE

Practice won’t necessarily make you perfect – but it will help you feel more confident.

SPEAK CLEARLY

Never mumble – and do maintain eye contact. It makes you look super-confident.

USE PROPS

The old ‘show and tell’ works for any age group. People like to see stuff and it keeps them engaged. If you are doing an oral on ‘TASTE SENSATIONS’ then bring samples for the class to taste. Hand everyone a sour worm and explain why it tastes sour, etc. It makes your speech interactive and highly memorable!

GET YOUR AUDIENCE TO PARTICIPATE

A really good trick is to engage your audience. Asking questions is a great way – and don’t just make it a general question, ask a person directly.

A VERY good thing to do for an oral is to illustrate to your audience that they don’t know much about your topic – so they would be wise to listen to you!

Top Tip!

Eg: Your oral is on Extreme Sport. Ask them to list four extreme sports. Ask them to write down what they think the main thing about an extreme sport is. You have your audience immediately engaged with your topic – as they will feel part of it!

Do YOU like YOU?

Having SELF-ESTEEM means how much you like yourself It is how you FEEL ABOUT YOURSELF, and how good or successful you think you are

How do you handle peer pressure or criticism?

A Stay true to myself and ignore negativity

B Am sometimes influenced – but try to stay true to my values

C Give in to pressure or feel hurt by criticism

How do you view your strengths and weaknesses?

A Embrace my strengths and work on improving weaknesses

B Acknowledge both my strengths and weaknesses

C Tend to be constantly aware of weaknesses

How do you feel about your appearance?

A Accept myself as I am

B Sometimes feel self-conscious but try to practise self-love

C Constantly compare myself to others and feel dissatisfied

How do you handle challenges or new experiences?

A Approach them with confidence and enthusiasm

B Feel nervous but willing to give them a try

C Avoid them or feel overwhelmed by fear

How do you feel about yourself most of the time?

A Confident and positive

B Sometimes confident, sometimes doubtful

C Mostly doubtful and insecure

How do you handle mistakes or setbacks?

A Learn from them and move on

B Feel disappointed but try to improve next time

C Get discouraged and feel bad

How do you react to compliments or praise?

A Love them and feel grateful

B Feel a little awkward but appreciate them

C Don’t always believe them

Do you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and opinions?

A Yes, I express myself freely

B Sometimes, depending on the situation

C No, I often hesitate or keep quiet

SCORING:

A: 3 points B: 2 points C: 1 point

RESULTS:

24-21 points: High self-esteem

20-14 points: Moderate self-esteem

13-8 points: Low self-esteem

The

Fact Hard

A DIAMOND IS THE HARDEST NATURAL

Big Hole The

Ring

The tradition of a diamond engagement ring started in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy

Diamond mining in South Africa shaped the country’s history and economy.

When diamonds were first found in 1886, Kimberley became the epicentre of diamond mining in South Africa. This sparked a diamond rush that attracted prospectors from around the world.

Shades of

Not all diamonds are white. Impurities lend diamonds a shade of blue, red, orange, yellow, green and even black. Vivid blue, green and pink mined diamonds are the rarest.

DIAMONDS HARD FACTS

Colour

The Big Hole in Kimberley is one of the largest hand-dug excavations in the world. No longer operational, it is a significant historical tourist attraction.

In 1888, Cecil Rhodes founded De Beers Consolidated Mines, which would go on to dominate the diamond industry in South Africa.

Rock Fake

Today, simulated and synthetic diamonds is big business, outselling mined diamonds by far. Sometimes called cubic zirconia or simulated moissanite, they are categorised and evaluated with the same grading scale process as mined diamonds but sell for much less. Even so-called experts can’t tell them apart.

Rock Hard

The crown

Jewels

The world’s largest diamond was the Cullinan, found in South Africa in 1905. It weighed 3 106.75 carats uncut. It was cut into the Great Star of Africa, weighing 530.2 carats, the Lesser Star of Africa, which weighs 317.4 carats, and 104 other diamonds of nearly flawless colour and clarity. They now form part of the British crown jewels.

Diamonds are brittle. If hit hard with a hammer, a diamond will shatter or splinter.

Doomsday GLACIER

THWAITES GLACIER (AKA Doomsday Glacier) IS LOCATED IN ANTARCTICA, WHICH IS THE SOUTHERNMOST CONTINENT ON EARTH.

THE DOOMSDAY GLACIER IS BEING CLOSELY WATCHED BY SCIENTISTS FOR ITS POTENTIAL TO RAISE THE SEA LEVELS. THIS COULD BE A DISASTER FOR COASTAL AREAS AROUND THE WORLD.

The glacier is predicted to collapse by 2031.

The warm ocean currents beneath the shelf of ice are causing it to melt below the glacier.

It’s one of the largest glaciers in the world, and is melting faster than snowfall is replenishing it.

It sheds 50 billion tons of water every year AND the sea water level rises by each year as a result of it. 4%

ICEBERG S are chunks of ice that have broken off from glaciers and float in the ocean.

A glacier is made of ice, which is like a giant frozen river that moves very slowly over time.

DURING THE ICE AGE OF LAND WAS COVERED BY GLACIERS. TODAY – LESS THAN 33% 10%

Some glaciers are as small as a football field, while others are as big as small countries!

FUNNY HAHA OR FUNNY PECULIAR

Why can’t you trust an atom? Because they make up everything!

?

‘FUNNY’ IS PERSONAL AND CAN VARY WIDELY AMONG INDIVIDUALS, BUT THERE ARE SOME STYLES OF HUMOUR THAT APPEAL TO MOST PEOPLE. MEMES AND INTERNET HUMOUR, SARCASTIC AND ABSURD HUMOUR, SILLY AND MOCKING HUMOUR SEEM TO HAVE UNIVERSAL APPEAL WITH ALL AGES.

How do YOU rate on the humour stakes?

Do your friends laugh with you or at you?

Are you hysterically funny or merely mildly amusing – find out by doing this quiz!

Answer YES, NO or SOMETIMES.

1 Kevin Hart is funny.

2 TREVOR NOAH CRACKS YOU UP.

3 ‘Knock Knock’ jokes are a hoot.

4 Seeing someone trip and fall flat on their face makes you giggle uncontrollably.

5 Laughing is good for you.

6 Kevin Fraser is a very funny man.

7 Everyone always laughs at your jokes.

8 JOKE-TELLING IS AN ART FORM.

9 Sitcoms are better than dramas.

10 Classic cartoons make you laugh out loud.

11 Your classmates rely on you to make them laugh in the classroom.

12 Seeing someone make a fool of themseves makes you snigger.

THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO LAUGH ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO SCHOOL!

HAHA!

What did the biology student say when she found two isotopes of helium? ‘HeHe!’ WHY WAS THE EQUAL SIGN SO HUMBLE?

BECAUSE IT KNEW IT WASN’T GREATER OR LESS THAN ANYONE ELSE! Why did the biologists go to school? Because they wanted to be the nucleus of attention!

WHY DID THE CIRCLE GO TO THE BEACH? TO GET A TAN!

HOHO!

Why was the student always hungry in maths class?

HewastiredofworkingwithXs - he wanted more Pi!

HOW DID THE ROMANS CUT THEIR HAIR? WITH CAESARS!

Why did the physics teacher break up with the biology teacher? Therewasnochemistry.

WHY DID THE BACTERIA JOIN SOCIAL MEDIA? TO SHARE THEIR CELL-FIES!

13 You prefer comedies to action movies.

14 YOUR FRIENDS OFTEN ASK YOU TO RETELL STORIES.

15 You can set your friends giggling anytime.

16 You are comfortable telling a joke in front of someone you are trying to impress.

17 You are attracted to people who make you laugh.

18 A sense of humour would be critical in a ‘life partner’.

19 YOU OFTEN LAUGH TILL YOU CRY.

20 You make people laugh every day?

21 Do you laugh out loud when you read funny stuff?

22 Do advertisements that rely on humour work for you?

23 Do other people always keep quiet when you are telling a funny story?

24 Has anyone ever told you that ‘you ‘crack them up’?

25 Do you always remember the punchline of a joke?

26 HAVE YOU EVER WRITTEN DOWN JOKES SO THAT YOU DON’T FORGET THEM?

27 Does a good funny story always put you in a good mood?

28 Do you ever tease people to get a laugh?

29 Do you read joke books?

30 DO YOU REMEMBER AND THEN RE-ENACT FUNNY MOVIE SCENES TO YOUR FRIENDS?

Why was the obtuse angle always so frustrated? Because it was never right!

Why are chemists excellent for solving problems?

Becausetheyhaveall thesolutions!

SCORING: Give yourself

1 point for every NO 2 points for every SOMETIMES 3 points for every YES

RATING:

60-plus

Your humour is so sharp – you are ready to be a stand-up comic! But be wary that your funniness isn’t ever cruel. (Nasty is never funny!) You make people feel great – so they love you! Everyone may think you are funny – except maybe some of your teachers. Keep it down in the classroom and remember the key to good humour is timing!

45-59

Maybe your humour hasn’t kicked in yet or maybe you just cannot decide what really pushes your funny-button. Perhaps you are too shy to share your hilarious jokes with everyone or maybe there is no one clever enough to share your offbeat sense of humour? LIghten up a little and remember funny is different strokes for different folks!

Less than 44

Okay – so you are the person that laughs at jokes rather than tells them. Every comic has to have a straight man and that may be you! But, you may be a lot funnier than you think you are. So – go for it! Try telling a story to see if you can raise a laugh from your good mates. Your style might be dry and deadpan and could be the funniest of all!

Why was the physics book so thin? Because it had no mass!

Did you hear about the famous microbiologist who visited 30 different countries and spoke 6 languages? Hewasamanofmanycultures!

WHY DID THE YOUNG STUDENT EAT HIS MATHS HOMEWORK?

BECAUSE THE TEACHER TOLD HIM IT WAS A PIECE OF CAKE!

WHY DID THE QUADRATIC EQUATION BREAK UP WITH THE LINEAR EQUATION?

When teenagers are asked what their favourite thing to do is after school, almost every one of them will answer: ‘hang out with my friends!’

friendships friendship Toxic

HAVING SOLID FRIENDSHIPS IN YOUR TEENS IS ALL PART OF GROWING UP AND IS ACTUALLY THE PATH TO SLOWLY SEPARATING YOURSELF FROM YOUR FAMILY TIES.

Younger kids are more inclined to want more family time, but teenagers want to be with their friends. These teenage friendships can be deep and meaningful and emotionally intense, and many last a lifetime.

As we get older, our circle of friends grows and becomes more varied. Young children are loved unconditionally by their parents and family. No matter how they behave or what they do.

So, when a teenager is not getting the same response from their friends it can sometimes be a little confusing.

Toxicsigns

TheSOMETIMES THERE ARE FRIENDS WHO YOU JUST DON’T NEED IN YOUR LIFE!

Do a quick check to see if one of your friends is showing the signs of being toxic. Then see how you can cope.

They put you down and make fun of what you say/do/wear/eat all under the pretext of a joke.

They can’t keep quiet and discuss all your confidences with other people behind your back.

They treat you as an audience. All you are to them is a pair of ears to hear about their life.

THEY TURN EVERYTHING INTO A ‘WHO IS SMARTER/SEXIER’ COMPETITION.

The cure

They are just a bad influence. They will do things like tempt you to do things you know are not good.

THEY SEEM TO THINK THEY ARE PERFECT AND NEVER ASK FOR YOUR ADVICE. They are always negative about most things and drag you down.

Somehow you just can’t figure it out, but they manage to make you feel bad about yourself most of the time.

Establish if this person really means a lot to you. If they do, then you MUST try to work it out.

Firstly – clear your own conscience! Could this all be happening because it is a response to your own toxicity? Do the checklist on yourself. If you yourself are toxic, you need to make changes to yourself!

They could be unaware of what they are doing. So, let them know that you don’t appreciate certain remarks or behaviour. If you can’t be honest with a good friend – then who can you be honest with? If they are truly a friend, they will try to change. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT YOU HAVE MADE A BAD CHOICE OF FRIEND, IN WHICH CASE THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH JUST WALKING AWAY FROM THEM.

Remember, people change and grow all the time – it can be that friends just also grow apart.

HONESTY

MOST PEOPLE WOULD BE SHOCKED TO LEARN THAT PEOPLE TELL LIES, ON AVERAGE, TWICE A DAY.

An internet survey of a thousand people showed that lies are part of every person’s life. Most people tell lies to impress others and to get respect.

A real outright lie is a deliberate deception intended to mislead or manipulate others for personal gain or other malicious purposes. Some lies are told to get out of trouble and white lies are typically harmless lies told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings. Most teenagers pretend to be older than they are.

LET’S BE HONEST

(Tick if it’s a YES!)

Have you ever lied to your parents about where you were going or what you were doing?

Do you always tell the truth, even when it’s difficult?

Have you ever cheated on a test or assignment?

Do you admit when you make a mistake, or do you try to cover it up with lies?

HAVE YOU EVER STOLEN SOMETHING, EVEN IF IT WAS SMALL?

Do you keep promises even when it’s inconvenient?

Have you ever lied to a friend to avoid hurting their feelings?

Do you feel guilty when you lie, or do you brush it off easily?

HAVE YOU EVER LIED TO GET OUT OF TROUBLE?

Do you believe honesty is important in all aspects of life?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO? [You know what you SHOULD do.]

During a difficult exam, you can read your classmate’s answers. You have the opportunity to cheat without getting caught. Do you?

You are invited to a party that your parents would never approve of. Do you tell your parents the truth about the party?

You accidentally break a valuable item belonging to your friend’s mother. Do you own up or try to hide the damage?

You receive a message from a stranger online who wants to meet up. You know you’re not supposed to meet strangers from the internet, but this person sounds interesting. Do you meet?

YOUR ‘COOL’ FRIENDS

Dora Tamana was born in the Eastern Cape in 1901 and became involved in activism against racial injustice from a young age. Dora was an educator and dedicated her life to fighting against apartheid and promoting social justice.

She was well known for her efforts to improve educational opportunities for all black South Africans. Through her activities with the ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP), Tamana was a founding member of one of the first black trade unions in South Africa, the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU).

She passed away in 1983, but her legacy continues to inspire generations of educationists and activists in SA and beyond.

This series tells the life stories of Southern African leaders who struggledforfreedomandjustice.Theseare the stories of the powerful peoplewhodeserveanhonouredplaceinourhistory.

Solomon Plaatje, born in the OFS on October 1876, was a prominent South African writer and politician. He was an intellectual, a skilled linguist, proficient in several African languages and English.

Plaatje was a pioneer of black South African literature and activism, and was the first black South African to write a novel in English. His novel MHUDI highlighted the complexities of African history and the resilience of African people.

Plaatje co-founded the South African Native National Congress (SANNC), which later became the African National Congress (ANC), and served as its Secretary-General. Throughout his life he advocated for the rights of black South Africans, fighting against racial discrimination and segregation. Plaatje passed away on 19 June 1932, leaving behind a legacy in South African literature and the struggle for equality.

Yusuf Dadoo was a medical doctor and leader in the anti-apartheid movement. Born in India in 1909, Dadoo immigrated to South Africa in 1927 to study medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand. He became involved in political activism, particularly in the struggle against apartheid and racial discrimination. Dadoo was a key figure in the South African Indian Congress (SAIC) and the ANC, advocating for non-violent resistance against apartheid.

He played a significant role in organising the Defiance Campaign of the 1950s and the Congress of the People in 1955, which adopted the Freedom Charter. Dadoo was actively involved in other anti-colonial struggles around the world, particularly supporting the Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. He faced persecution and imprisonment for his political activities, but he remained committed to the fight against apartheid until his death in 1983.

BOOKS REFERENCED

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In this newspaper we have used and referenced learner books, work books and study guides published by Maskew Miller Learning. These are the specific textbook covers with their ISBNs. You can find more details on www.mml.co.za