QuestionsQuestions (PROCLAMATION NO. 489)
Fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. DepEd Order states it took effect on January 3, 2014 because it was published on December 19, 2013 in newspapers (The Manila Times and Business Mirror).
It covers all public and private kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools, and learning centers.
Bullying refers to any severe or repeated use of written, verbal, or electronic expressions, or physical act/gesture (or combination) directed at another student that causes or places the other in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to property; creates a hostile environment; infringes on the rights of the other student at school; or materially and substantially disrupts education or orderly school operations.
Yes. The IRR defines cyber-bullying as bullying done through technology/electronic means, including harassment, intimidation, or humiliation via texting, email, instant messaging, chatting, internet, social media, online games, and other platforms or formats as defined in the referenced DepEd Order.
Social bullying is deliberate, repetitive, aggressive social behavior intended to hurt others or belittle another individual or group. Gender-based bullying humiliates or excludes a person based on perceived or actual sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).
The bully is any student who commits acts of bullying as defined. The bullied/victim is any student who experiences acts of bullying or retaliation as defined.
Any person who witnesses or has personal knowledge of actual or perceived acts or incidents of bullying or retaliation.
At school grounds; property immediately adjacent to school grounds; school-sponsored or school-related activities/functions/programs whether on or off school grounds; school bus stops; school buses or vehicles owned/leased/used by a school; school buses/services privately owned but accredited by the school; bullying through technology using school-owned/leased/used devices; and bullying at non-school-related locations or programs through use of technology/electronic media not owned/leased/used by the school; and retaliation against persons who report, provide information, or witness bullying.
They must adopt policies to address bullying in their institutions, regularly update them, and at minimum include: prohibited acts, prevention and intervention programs, and mechanisms/procedures.
Prevention programs must be school-wide, comprehensive, multi-faceted, and involve all education stakeholders/personnel, and they may include: positive school climate initiatives; periodic assessment/monitoring; review/enhancement of student/personnel code of conduct; activities to recognize/respond to bullying; continuing personnel development; coordination with LGUs/barangay and stakeholders; classroom-level initiatives (including online behavior safety and reporting cyber-bullying); parent involvement activities; and confidential monitoring of vulnerable students/perpetrators/possible targets.
Intervention is a series of activities designed to address: issues influencing a student to commit bullying; factors that make a student a target; and the effects of bullying. It may include counseling, life skills training, education, and activities that enhance the psychological/emotional/psycho-social well-being of both victim and bully, emphasizing formative/corrective measures over punishment and involving victim, bully, bystanders, parents, personnel, and service providers.
The CPC established under DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012 also handles bullying cases. Composition includes: School Head/Administrator (Chairperson); Guidance Counselor/Teacher (Vice Chairperson); teacher representative (Faculty Club); parent representative (PTA); student representative (except in kindergarten, as designated by the Supreme Student Council); and community representative (designated by the Punong Barangay, preferably a BCPC member; optional community representative for private schools).
The victim or any witness must call attention of school personnel. Notified personnel must stop bullying/retaliation immediately; separate involved students; remove victim (or in appropriate cases the bully) from the site; ensure victim safety including addressing immediate safety needs and securing medical attention/medical certificate for physical injury; and bring the bully to the Guidance Office or designated personnel.
The bullying incident/retaliation must be immediately reported to the school head. Designated personnel must fill up the Intake Sheet prescribed in DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, and the school head/designated personnel must inform parents/guardians of the victim and bully. Anonymous reports are entertained and the reporter is protected from retaliation, but no disciplinary administrative action can be taken against the alleged bully solely on an anonymous report without other evidence.
Appropriate action should be taken by the school within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of the incident.
At minimum: (1) the student and parents/guardians are informed of the complaint in writing; (2) the student is given opportunity to answer the complaint in writing with assistance of parents/guardian; (3) the school head’s decision is in writing stating facts and reasons; and (4) the decision may be appealed to the Division Office as provided by existing DepEd rules.
It states the case shall be dealt with under RA 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act), as amended, in connection with other applicable laws, depending on circumstances.
Private school personnel who fail to comply may face appropriate disciplinary sanctions imposed by the private school, with a copy of the decision submitted to the Division Office. The Division Office gives notice of failure; the school has 30 days to comply, with possible extension of not more than one (1) month by the Regional Director in meritorious cases. The Secretary through the Regional Director may suspend or revoke the school’s permit/recognition for failure to comply.