Bullying not just hurts, but it scars those involved for life.
And for too long, it has gone unnoticed in many schools.
But now, the Department of Education is taking a strong, clear stand.
Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, DepEd is updating its anti-bullying efforts to protect every student.
What Is DepEd’s Child Protection Commitment All About?
The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 is being updated to match today’s needs.
This includes handling online harassment, verbal abuse, and peer pressure.
The Child Protection Committee (CPC) in each school plays a key role in making sure anti-bullying policies are followed.
In November 2024, DepEd launched the CPC Functionality Assessment Tool.
This tool checks whether these school-based committees are working properly and actively responding to cases.
It also helps schools improve how they support children who report bullying.
What’s Changing With the Rules?
DepEd is updating the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs) for two important laws:
- The Anti-Bullying Act (RA 10627)
- The Safe Spaces Act
These updates now cover more modern forms of bullying, such as:
- Cyberbullying
- Peer violence
- Online shaming and verbal attacks
With these revisions, the rules will better match the digital world students live in today.
How Are Teachers and School Leaders Being Trained?
Training is now being given to school heads, guidance counselors, child protection officers, and even parents.
This training covers how to:
- Spot bullying early
- Support both the victim and the child who caused harm
- Handle cases fairly and with care
When adults are well-trained, they can respond faster and more effectively.
How Is the Curriculum Helping Build Better Values?
Starting in School Year 2025–2026, DepEd will include more values-based lessons in the K to 10 curriculum.
Subjects like:
- GMRC (Good Manners and Right Conduct)
- Values Education
- Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao
will now include topics about:
- Respect
- Empathy
- Conflict resolution
- Anti-bullying behavior
This approach teaches kids, early on, how to treat each other with kindness.
What Happens to Students Who Bully Others?
Instead of only punishing students who bully others, DepEd is introducing a more caring approach.
Students will receive counseling that focuses on:
- Understanding the effects of their actions
- Learning empathy
- Taking responsibility for what they did
This way, students can change their behavior without being shamed or isolated.
What Support Is There for Mental Health?
The Basic Education Mental Health Act guides schools in improving mental health services.
Here’s what DepEd is doing:
- Expanding mental health support in schools
- Hiring more trained counselors
- Creating safe spaces for students to open up
Because bullying doesn’t just cause physical harm—it can hurt mentally and emotionally, too.
How Can Communities and Parents Help?
DepEd knows that schools can’t do this work alone.
Parents and community members play a big role in keeping children safe.
Here’s how they can help:
- Attend school meetings about anti-bullying
- Report bullying cases early
- Support teachers and school leaders
- Talk with children about kindness, courage, and respect
It’s a team effort.
Video: Senate sounds alarm on bullying in schools | The Big Story
Senate Calls for Action Against Rising Bullying Cases
The Department of Education (DepEd) presented alarming data on bullying incidents during a recent Senate hearing, highlighting the growing challenge in Philippine schools.
Senate Committee on Basic Education chairman Senator Sherwin Gatchalian raised concerns over these figures, emphasizing the need for immediate attention.
Reports from DepEd showed that almost 80,000 cases of physical and cyberbullying occurred between 2019 and 2022.
The Philippines, labeled as the “bullying capital of the world” by international assessments in 2018 and 2022, underscores the urgency of addressing this issue.
DepEd admitted difficulties in monitoring students beyond classroom premises and proposed establishing child protection committees in every school.
Senator Gatchalian suggested integrating Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) into the curriculum for Grades 1 to 12 as a preventive approach.
The plan aims to instill discipline and respect among students from a young age.
The education sector hopes this renewed focus will create safer school environments for every learner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What counts as bullying in schools?
Bullying includes physical, verbal, social, and online behavior that causes harm or fear. It can happen repeatedly or as a serious one-time act.
- What support is given to bullying victims?
Students who experience bullying are given emotional support and counseling. Schools must respond quickly and protect the child’s safety.
- What happens to students who bully others?
Instead of harsh punishment, schools provide counseling focused on empathy and behavior change. This helps prevent repeat offenses.
- Can parents get involved in anti-bullying efforts?
Yes. Parents are encouraged to attend school meetings, report concerns early, and guide their children in building respectful relationships.
Conclusion
These changes from DepEd are more than just new rules.
They are part of a larger mission to make schools places where students feel safe, heard, and respected.
When children know they are protected, they can focus on learning, growing, and becoming their best selves.
Together, with teachers, parents, and communities, we can make bullying a thing of the past.