More than 170 students were bullied in just over a month, records DepEd

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MANILA, Philippines — Department of Education (DepEd) has received over 170 cases of bullying among students in a span of only a month and two weeks.

DepEd obtained the reports from November 24, 2023 to January 11, 2024.

DepEd Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) told reporters that 83 instances of physical bullying were gathered through their its ‘Telesafe’ helpline.

There were also 28 verbal abuses and 27 cyberbullying.

Meanwhile, DepEd LRPO reported 40 cases of “bullying in general.”

In view of this, the office has instructed its regional units to submit reports on bullying and other forms of attacks on a quarterly basis.

“Bullying in general” refers to “cases wherein the complainant merely mentioned that he or she has been bullied without specifying the acts which constitute bullying.”

This definition comes from the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the law titled ‘Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.’

The guideline further defines bullying as “any severe or repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another student that has the effect of actually causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his property.”

It also identifies “social bullying” as “any deliberate, repetitive, and aggressive social behavior intended to hurt others or to belittle another individual or group.”

On the other hand, “gender-based bullying” is any act that humiliates or outcasts a person based on his or her perceived or actual sexual orientation and gender identity.

Based on 2022 Program for International Student Assessment study released on December 5, one in every three Filipino students experiences bullying at least once a week.

In response, DepEd is implementing anti-bullying programs through LRPO.

For complaints about bullying or other types of abuses, please contact DepEd LRPO at mobile number 0945 175 9777 or via email at [email protected].

Complainants may also submit their complaint ticket to this link: https://www.deped.gov.ph/learners-telesafe-contact-center/