By Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA
MANILA –The Department of Education (DepEd) said Monday it acknowledges the authority of schools in imposing disciplinary sanctions in addressing cases of child abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination and bullying.
This, as the department responded to the Ateneo De Manila University’s decision to penalize its junior high school student caught bullying other students in a couple of viral videos.
In a statement, DepEd said it allows such action when necessary and consistent with the law and the department’s policies.
“The Department urges schools to conduct a thorough and complete review of their operations manuals, handbooks, regulations, and protocols in preventing and addressing cases of bullying,” it said.
DepEd said private schools must align their anti-bullying policies with theirs, as mandated by Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, issued through DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2013 and reiterated in DepEd Memorandum No. 5, s. 2017 for strict implementation.
DepEd also stressed that private schools must comply with the Child Protection Policy, issued through DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, which requires all public and private kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools to create their own Child Protection Committee to ensure that cases and instances of abuse and bullying are closely monitored and expeditiously investigated.
Citing bullying as a societal issue, DepEd said it demands teachers, parents, school administrators, community members, and the media to cooperate in instilling a culture of peace and the value of respect for one another.
“The department reiterates the role of peers and teachers in stepping in and anticipating possible incidents of violence against children, and in taking action as quickly as possible before matters get out of hand,” the statement read.
