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Teachers call for stronger school mental health programs amid rising bullying concerns
Teachers call for stronger school mental health programs amid rising bullying concerns
Alarmed by recent bullying incidents, a group of teachers on Tuesday, April 8, called for the implementation of stronger mental health programs in schools.
“We need urgent and systemic support for our learners,” said Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) National Chairperson Benjo Basas in a statement. “Mental health programs in our schools must be strengthened,” he added.
Alarming, heartbreaking
For the TDC, the recent bullying incidents in Metro Manila schools—specifically the cases at Bagong Silangan High School in Quezon City and Moonwalk National High School in Parañaque—were “deeply disturbing.”
In the first incident, a viral video showed a female student at Bagong Silangan High School being attacked by her female classmates, who pulled her hair and ganged up on her inside a classroom while more than ten other students stood by.
Meanwhile, at Moonwalk National High School, a quarrel—allegedly stemming from bullying—between two students ended in the tragic death of one of them after she was stabbed.
“These incidents are deeply alarming and heartbreaking,” Basas said.
While several policies are already in place—such as the Child Protection Policy of the Department of Education (DepEd), the Anti-Child Abuse Law, the Anti-Bullying Law, and the more recent Cybercrime Prevention Act—TDC noted that these recent cases “show us that enforcement and collective responsibility are key to preventing bullying.”
A collective approach
While schools and teachers play a crucial role in shaping student behavior, Basas stressed that “discipline and values must begin at home.”
He added that the solution requires a “collective approach”—involving families, communities, schools, the media, and government institutions.
“It’s time we work together—not just in policy-making, but in implementation and genuine care for our children,” Basas said.
Strengthened mental health programs
Meanwhile, TDC also urged the DepEd and concerned agencies to expedite the implementation of Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.
The new law mandates stronger and more accessible guidance and counseling services in public schools to address students' emotional and psychological needs.
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