PNP, DepEd focus on anti-bullying campaign ahead of school opening

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have started working together for their anti-bullying campaign in school premises ahead of the start of classes, according to Chino Gaston's report on GMA News TV's Balitanghali, Saturday.

The DepEd assured that a bullying incident will be recognized whether it will occur in a public or private school.

Accordingly, all public schools must have a child protection committee for bullying incidents, while private schools should have anti-bullying policies in place.

The agency reminded all private schools that their respective policies should adhere to the Child Protection Act of 2013, such as the protection of the bullied and the bully's identity if they are minors and the push for counselling as an answer to the problem.

Schools found to complying with the law or do not have an anti-bullying policy will be stripped off their permit to operate, the DepEd said.

According to Suzette Gannaban-Medina, DepEd legal service Chief Administrative officer, bullying does not just affect the child’s mental state but also his or her education.

"Actually pagnabubully 'yung mga bata minsan hindi na po pumapasok so tumataas po 'yung ating drop out rates. Kailangan talaga may intervention para itong mga bata ipagpatuloy pa ang pag-aaral," she said.

The PNP, on the other hand, will be handing out pamphlets within school grounds to as part of the campaign. The police urged those who experienced bullying to report the incident to the authorities, as well as to their parents or guardians, in order to resolve the matter.

The PNP urged victims of bullying to seek help from an adult, and look for a friend or a group to go with as bullies, according tot he police, usually target those who are by themselves.

However, the PNP warned not to fight back or threaten a bully since doing so might only end up making the victim a bully as well.

The PNP urged people who will witness a bullying incident to intervene and immediately seek help from authorities or adults.

The PNP and the DepEd warned that bullying can lead to a criminal complaint in violation of the Child Protection Act or the provisions under the Cybercrime Prevention Act. — Kaela Malig/MDM, GMA News