In my opinion, it’s too early to say, the rise of reported bullying cases is a consequence of the reporting

requirements of the law. Bullying cases is rampant, however, it remain under reported prior to the anti-
bullying act. This is understandable, since no parents or even school administration would like his/her
family or school to be famous because of bullying.

Schools, however, to mitigate the effects and reduce the incidence of bullying, should comply with
the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Anti-bullying law of 2013 to address the root causes of
bullying. And the important ones, aside from the reporting requirements, are as follows:

1. Schools to have prevention program that is comprehensive, multi-faceted, and shall involve all
education stakeholders and personnel. This may contain:

 Positive school climate/environment

 Periodic assessment and monitoring of bullying behaviors

 Periodic review of manual of conduct for both students and personnel, in relation to
bullying

 Activities on the issue for students, personnel and service providers

 Personnel development

 Coordination with LGUs and other stakeholders

 Classroom initiatives

 Activities involving parents

2. Schools to have intervention programs to ensure continuity of policies. These may include:

 Activities

 Corrective and preventive, rather than punitive, measures

3. Students have a duty to intervene to protect the victim, unless the same jeopardizes their
safety/security

4. The Child Protection Committee (CPC) established by DepEd Order 40 shall also be the Anti-
Bullying Committee

5. Composition of Committee:

 School Head/Admin-Chair

 Guidance Counselor/Teacher-Vice Chair

 Rep of teachers designated by faculty

 Rep of parents as designated by PTA

 Rep of students, except in kinder, as designated by student council-optional for private

schools
  Rep from community as designated by Punong Barangay, preferably from the Barangay
Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC)

6. Jurisdiction for complaints of bullying and other acts under the IRR: exclusive: DepEd or private
school and not subject to barangay settlement

7. Procedures must include:

 Immediate responses-ANYONE who has personal knowledge must immediately call the
attention of ANY school personnel

 School personnel once notified is expected to intervene:

 Stop the bullying immediately

 Remove students from harm and provide medical attention if needed

 Bring the bully to the Guidance Office or designated personnel