PASIG CITY, December 21,
2018 – The Department of
Education (DepEd) reminds all public and private Kindergarten, elementary, and
secondary schools of the necessity and importance of adopting and enforcing
anti-bullying policies in their respective institutions.
DepEd Order No.
40, series 2012, or the “DepEd Child Protection Policy,” institutionalized zero
tolerance against any form of violence against the child and provided for the
establishment of a Child Protection Committee (CPC) in all public and private
schools.
DepEd Order No. 55,
series 2013, or the “Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act
No. 10627 (R.A. 10627) Otherwise Known as the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013,” on
the other hand requires all public and private schools to submit a copy of
their child protection or anti-bullying policy to the Division Office within
six months from the effectivity of the IRR. The same shall be submitted to the
Regional Director in addition to the requirements for an application for permit
to operate and/or recognition as prescribed by the existing rules of the
Department.
Rule IV of DO 55 s. 2013
underscores that the bullying prevention program in schools shall be
comprehensive, multifaceted and shall involve all education stakeholders and
personnel. Schools shall develop intervention strategies like counseling, life
skills training, education and other activities that will enhance the
psychological, emotional and psycho social well-being of victims, bullies and
other parties who maybe affected by the bullying incident.
Private schools that
fail to comply with the requirements of R.A. 10627 or of the IRR may face
penalties under the law.
The Department also
encourages learners who experience or witness bullying, abuse, or retaliation
to speak up and report verified incidents to their peers, parents, teachers,
and the appropriate authorities for proper intervention. Any information
relating to the identity and personal circumstances of the bully/ies, the
victim/s, or the witness/es shall be treated with utmost confidentiality by the
CPC and the school personnel.
Source : DepEd CO