CHR cites, lauds DepEd initiative vs bullying

 

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission of Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday lauded the initiative  of the Department of Education (DepEd) to teach signs of bullying to parents which will help address issues related to children’s mental health.

The program will involve teachers and parents in identifying students who experience bullying issues for proper intervention.

“In line with this, we commend DepEd’s initiative to train teachers and parents in recognizing the indicators and signs of bullying among students,” the CHR said.

“This project aims to determine learners who require intervention so that teachers and parents can identify and address bullying issues among students,” it added.

According to the CHR, bullying can cause negative mental health effects among children and students and remains an issue inside and outside schools.

“Mental health is now a major concern in schools and the community as a whole. Different forms of abuse within educational institutions, such as bullying, have a significant impact on children’s performance, whether academic or non-academic,” it continued.

“These incidents cause stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns, which impede students’ overall development and learning dynamics,” the CHR said.

The CHR reiterated that bullying has no place in schools and that Filipinos’ right to mental health must be affirmed.

“Bullying, harassment, and other forms of abuse have no place in sanctuaries of learning. Furthermore, we reaffirm all Filipinos’ basic right to mental health, as well as the fundamental rights of those in need of mental health service,” it concluded.