DepEd reminds students: Fake news, bomb threats carry stiff penalties

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday reminded learners, parents, and the public that spreading fake news, staging disruptive pranks, and making bomb threats in schools are punishable offenses under its school discipline policy.

The reminder comes amid a series of recent incidents involving false school threats that caused panic and disrupted classes in several schools.

“School safety is everyone’s responsibility. Fake news, dangerous pranks, and bomb threats are never harmless—they disrupt learning and put others at risk. Through the ESMLE policy, we are holding learners accountable while ensuring fairness and due process,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a press statement.

Under DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), sharing fake news or false information that creates confusion or commotion in schools is classified as a first-level offense, along with disruptive behavior and pranks committed inside school premises or during school-sanctioned activities.

A first offense carries a written reprimand and written notice to parents, while a second offense merits another written reprimand and the issuance of an official call slip summoning parents. A third offense may result in suspension of up to five school days, with alternative learning modalities provided during the suspension.

Meanwhile, making bomb threats or bomb jokes is classified as a third-level offense because of the serious risks these pose to learners, school personnel, and the public.

Under the policy, a first offense is punishable by non-readmission and referral to appropriate government agencies for intervention, while a second offense may result in exclusion from the school, referral to authorities, and appropriate interventions.

DepEd said recent incidents have shown that false information, dangerous pranks, and bomb threats can trigger panic, suspend classes, and divert school and emergency resources.

The department urged learners to think carefully before posting or sharing information online and to avoid participating in pranks or activities that could compromise school safety.

It also called on parents, teachers, and school officials to work together in promoting responsible behavior and ensuring schools remain safe, orderly, and conducive to learning. — RSJ, GMA News