DepEd probes teacher for insinuating ‘potential child abuse act’

MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to probe an incident involving a teacher in Central Luzon for posting a TikTok video “insinuating a potential child abuse action.”

“The Department of Education, as an institution trusted to protect the rights of every Filipino learner, does not tolerate any forms of abuse towards children,” the agency said in a statement Friday.

DepEd said Secretary Leonor Briones had instructed its regional director in Central Luzon to immediately investigate the case and mete the teacher with appropriate actions. It did not provide specific details about the teacher.

Earlier, a TikTok user drew flak for posting a video depicting how he would react when a “cute student” passes by.

“‘Pag dumaan ‘yung cute na student mo. Tamang pa-cute lang,” the text on his clip read then he danced afterwards while biting his lips.

DepEd reminded all teachers and non-teaching personnel to always subject their words and actions, including social media activities, “to the highest degree of ethical and professional standards.”

“As teachers and public servants, we must always champion a safe and nurturing learning environment for children, where physical, verbal, sexual, and other forms of abuse and discrimination are renounced,” it said.

The agency vowed that it would continue to strengthen its policies and capacity-building activities to further protect students against abuse.