Schools mandated to enforce updated anti-bullying policy

National

AS MILLIONS of students return to classrooms on Monday, June 8, schools nationwide are required to enforce updated anti-bullying policies under the revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) said.

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee, the revised IRR, signed by Education Sec. Sonny Angara, requires schools to adopt clear anti-bullying plans, identify offenses and corresponding interventions, and strengthen support systems through designated formation officers.

In a Philstar report, Yee said the revised guidelines will be implemented for the first time as School Year 2026–2027 opens. Under the policy, schools are expected to establish their own anti-bullying plans that clearly define minor and major offenses, as well as the corresponding interventions and disciplinary measures. Schools are also encouraged to designate formation officers who will provide guidance and values formation in addition to sanctions, with the goal of preventing future incidents.

The reforms come as bullying continues to affect a significant number of Filipino learners. Yee cited data showing that 65 percent of Grade 10 students experienced bullying several times a month, while 40 percent reported being bullied every week. He noted that bullying has affected students’ self-confidence, motivation to study, and school attendance, with some learners choosing to stay home because they no longer feel safe in school.

Reported bullying cases increased from around 1,000 in 2013 to approximately 20,000 annually by 2018 and 2019, highlighting the growing scale of the problem in Philippine schools. Concerns have also been raised over the possible underreporting of incidents due to staffing shortages and disincentives tied to school performance ratings. Amid these challenges, education officials said the revised anti-bullying measures aim to strengthen reporting mechanisms, improve student support systems, and create safer learning environments for learners.

Yee attributed the underreporting of bullying incidents partly to the lack of guidance counselors and non-teaching personnel in schools. He explained that teachers, who already carry heavy workloads, are often left to handle bullying cases on their own, making it more difficult to properly document and report incidents.

He also stressed the urgency of addressing bullying, noting that many Filipino learners no longer feel safe in school. According to Yee, some students become afraid to attend classes because of bullying, while the failure of some schools to report incidents further complicates efforts to address the problem.

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results also highlighted the extent of bullying in the Philippines, with education officials warning that creating safer learning environments should remain a priority as the new school year begins.(Althea Alexis M. Dimasuhid, CNU Main Campus BA Comm Intern)