DepEd policy protects children from bullying

By Nikka Garriga

PASIG CITY, METRO MANILA—The Department of Education (DepEd) issued a landmark policy that aims to protect children from violence in the school environment, including bullying.

The Child Protection Policies and Guidelines will safeguard the welfare of children from all forms of violence and exploitation that may be inflicted by adults, persons of authority, and their fellow students.

The policy will be used to develop information, reporting system and recommendation to address and prevent child abuse.

In brief, the guideline listed down the specific acts leading to abuse and violence that public and private schools can use to address what the bureau states as a “silent but very social” problem.

A Child Protection Committee (CPC) will be established in all private and public elementary and secondary schools. The committee will be composed of school officials, teachers, parents, students, and a community representative.

One of the committee's duties is to draft a code of conduct and a plan ensuring the safety and protection of children, which will be reviewed every three years.

All schools are tasked to build the capabilities of its personnel, students and parents to understand what child abuse is and how to deal with such issues through seminars, positive peer relationship, and emotional competence.

“The objective of the policy is to observe and promote zero tolerance on any act of child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying, and other forms of abuse in school,” said DepEd secretary Armin Luistro.

Schools are likewise encouraged to use training modules that include positive and nonviolent discipline methods in the class setting.