DepEd slams bullying in schools; pushes safe spaces for students

FIRST DAY HIGH. A teacher and her students stride toward their classroom at Justo Lukban Elementary School in Manila during the first day of Academic Year 2023-2024 on Tuesday (Aug. 29, 2023). The Department of Education said about 20 million public and private kindergarten, elementary and high school learners returned to their schools, with the number expected to increase in the coming days. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday underscored that bullying has “no place in schools” as it reaffirmed its push for safe learning spaces for students.

In a statement, the department said it takes every case of bullying “seriously” while conducting swift action and sustained efforts to ensure safe and supportive learning spaces for all.

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

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

At a Senate hearing on Tuesday, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Operations Dexter Galban said about 1,314 cases of campus violence had been recorded from Nov. 24, 2022 to April 7, 2025, half of which were committed by a learner.

READ: DepEd chief seeks police aid in probe of QC school bullying

The DepEd said it regularly conducts a comprehensive assessment to ensure child protection committees in schools are active and effective.

In addition, DepEd expands mental health services in schools and revises the implementing rules and regulations of the Anti-Bullying Act and Safe Spaces Act to address modern challenges, such as online harassment and peer violence.

Enhanced training for guidance counselors, child protection officers, school heads, and parents is also underway to strengthen anti-bullying efforts.

Starting School Year 2025-2026, the K to 10 curriculum will deepen values formation and integrate anti-bullying lessons into subjects, such as Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC), Values Education, and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, the department said.

Students who bully others, meanwhile, will undergo counseling, focused on empathy, accountability, and behavior change.

Earlier, a case of alleged bullying went viral on social media where a girl was being attacked by several classmates inside a classroom at the Bagong Silangan High School.