The Department of Education observes zero tolerance against any form of violence against the child, as institutionalized by DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, or the “DepEd Child Protection Policy,” which also mandates the establishment of a Child Protection Committee (CPC) in all public and private schools.
All public and private schools shall adopt policies to address the existence of bullying in their respective institutions. Rule IV of DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2013 underscores that the bullying prevention program in schools shall be comprehensive, multifaceted, and shall involve education stakeholders and personnel.
The Department encourages learners who experience or witness bullying, abuse, or retaliation to speak up and report verified incidents to their peers, parents, teachers, and the appropriate authorities for proper intervention. This shall be treated with utmost confidentiality by the CPC and the school personnel.
