Two primary DepEd orders directly address bullying in schools
1. DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012: This order establishes the Child Protection Policy in all public and private kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools. It provides the framework for ensuring children's safety in school by addressing various forms of abuse, including bullying.
Key aspects of DepEd Order No. 40 related to bullying:
- Mandatory creation of Child Protection Committees (CPCs): Each school must establish a CPC composed of school personnel, parents, and student representatives to investigate and address child protection concerns, including bullying.
- Reporting procedures: The order outlines clear procedures for reporting bullying incidents, ensuring anonymity and protection for victims and witnesses.
- Intervention and investigation: Schools are mandated to promptly investigate incidents and take appropriate intervention measures, including counseling for both the victim and the bully.
2. DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2013: This order outlines the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic Act 10627). It provides detailed procedures and guidelines for dealing with bullying incidents, including disciplinary actions and sanctions for offenders.
Key aspects of DepEd Order No. 55 related to bullying:
- Definition of bullying: The order provides a clear definition of bullying and its various forms, including physical, verbal, cyberbullying, and social exclusion.
- Prohibited acts: The order outlines specific acts considered bullying and prohibits them within school premises and online platforms connected to school activities.
- Consequences for bullying: The order details the disciplinary actions schools can take against bullies, ranging from reprimands and suspension to expulsion in severe cases.
- Protection for victims: The order emphasizes the need to protect victims from retaliation and provide them with appropriate support and assistance.
In addition to these orders, other DepEd resources can be helpful when addressing bullying, such as:
- DepEd Memorandum No. 5, s. 2017: This memorandum reiterates the importance of implementing DepEd Order No. 55 and provides additional guidance on addressing cyberbullying.
- DepEd's "Stop Bullying Now" campaign: This campaign provides resources and information on preventing and addressing bullying for schools, parents, and students.
Remember, regardless of the specific DepEd order used, the paramount concern should be the safety and well-being of the child experiencing bullying. Schools are required to act promptly and effectively to stop bullying incidents, provide support to the victim, and hold bullies accountable for their actions.
I hope this information helps! If you have any further questions about DepEd orders or resources related to bullying, please feel free to ask.