The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday reiterated that bullying has no place in the country’s schools.
“Every case is taken seriously, with swift action and sustained efforts to ensure safe and supportive learning spaces for all,” the DepEd said.
“Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, principal author of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (RA 10627), DepEd is pushing forward with a strong and clear commitment to child protection,” it said.
The Education Department cited the following efforts to deter bullying in schools:
- Comprehensive Assessment. The CPC Functionality Assessment Tool, launched in November 2024, ensures Child Protection Committees are active and effective.
- Policy Updates. DepEd is revising the IRRs of the Anti-Bullying Act and Safe Spaces Act to address modern challenges like online harassment and peer violence.
- Training. Enhanced training for guidance counselors, child protection officers, school heads, and parents is underway to strengthen anti-bullying efforts.
- Values Formation. Starting SY 2025–2026, the K to 10 curriculum deepens values formation, integrating anti-bullying lessons into GMRC, Values Education, and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao.
- Interventions. Students who bully others will undergo counseling focused on empathy, accountability, and behavior change.
- Mental Health Support. In line with the Basic Education Mental Health Act, DepEd is expanding mental health services in schools.
“DepEd remains committed to working with parents, teachers, and communities to ensure learners feel safe and empowered in schools,” it said.
Persistent issue
Earlier this year, the Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) revealed that bullying, particularly in Metro Manila, continues to be a perennial issue.
“Bullying continues to be a silent and persistent issue in basic education, with the country ranking as the ‘bullying capital of the world’ due to the high prevalence of bullying reported by students,” the EDCOM said in its report.
Citing the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the commission noted that 65% of Grade 10 students in the Philippines experienced bullying a “few times” a month, which was the highest among all participating countries.
In the 2022 PISA, there was a slight decline in reports, but it was emphasized that one in three students still faced weekly bullying.
Despite the majority of the reported cases involving physical bullying, the EDCOM pointed out that bullying could also be done through other forms, such as verbal, relational, and cyberbullying.
It recommended an amendment of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, which it described as “outdated and not responsive to school level realities.”
The EDCOM said that it has convened a technical working group, which includes representatives from the DepEd, child protection advocates, educational researchers, and other stakeholders, to work on the revision of the IRR. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
