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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider No place for bullying: DepEd stands for student safety, inclusion in schools

No place for bullying: DepEd stands for student safety, inclusion in schools

Published Apr 12, 2025 04:42 am

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday, April 12, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students by prioritizing the prevention of bullying in schools.

02 students MB Visual Content Group.jpg
(DepEd / MB Visual Content Group)

Amid reported incidents circulating on social media, DepEd, in a statement, affirmed that “bullying has no place in schools.”

“Every case is taken seriously, with swift action and sustained efforts to ensure safe and supportive learning spaces for all,” DepEd said.

Focus on student safety

With a strong focus on student safety, DepEd stated it is implementing measures to foster respect, equality, and a positive school culture.

“DepEd remains committed to working with parents, teachers, and communities to ensure learners feel safe and empowered in schools,” DepEd said.

Under the leadership of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who is also the principal author of Republic Act (RA) 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, DepEd affirmed it is pushing forward with a “strong and clear commitment” to child protection.

Through initiatives aimed at addressing bullying and promoting inclusion, DepEd said it strives to create an educational environment where every student can thrive without fear of discrimination or harm.

Addressing bullying

To strengthen its measures against bullying, DepEd said a comprehensive assessment is in place. The Child Protection Committee (CPC) Functionality Assessment Tool, launched in November 2024, ensures that Child Protection Committees are “active and effective,” DepEd explained.

DepEd is also tackling bullying in schools through policy updates. “DepEd is revising the IRRs of the Anti-Bullying Act and the Safe Spaces Act to address modern challenges like online harassment and peer violence,” the agency said.

To enhance anti-bullying efforts, DepEd said that enhanced training for guidance counselors, child protection officers, school heads, and parents is also underway.

Recognizing the critical importance of values formation in addressing bullying, DepEd noted that, starting School Year (SY) 2025–2026, the K to 10 curriculum will deepen values formation among learners by integrating anti-bullying lessons into Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC), Values Education, and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (ESP).

Amid reported cases of bullying, DepEd said interventions are also in place. “Students who bully others will undergo counseling focused on empathy, accountability, and behavior change,” DepEd explained.

Moreover, DepEd said it is strengthening mental health support for learners. “In line with the Basic Education Mental Health Act, DepEd is expanding mental health services in schools,” the agency noted.

RELATED STORY:

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/8/dep-ed-urges-students-witnesses-to-report-school-bullying

Related Tags

bullying controversy DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara Bullying in the Philippines DEPED bullying
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