Department of Education

Region III
Schools Division of Zambales
Sta. Cruz District
SAN FERNANDO HIGH SCHOOL
School ID: 307115

CONTEXTUALIZATION CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Statement of Policy

Pursuant to DepEd Order no.4 s. 2012, it shall be the policy of the school to promote and provide policy
guidelines on protecting school children from the abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination, and
bullying.

Hence, the SAN FERNANDO HIGH SCHOOL shall adopt and localized DepEd’s Child Protection
Policy as its standing policy to ensure protection of our school children.

It is the school’s duty to ensure that policies and procedures on child protection are promulgated,
complied with and monitored. It is also needs to ensure that all students or learners, personnel, parents,
guardians, and visitors and guests are aware of the child protection policy.

SAN FERNANDO HIGH SCHOOL is committed to safeguard and promote the welfare of the students
and expects all internal and external stakeholders to share his commitment. The school will take
responsible measure to:

 Ensure safe recruitment of personnel who work with students

 Assure appropriate child protection desk and procedure,
 Protect every student from any form of abuse,
 Protect every student from any form of abuse whether inflicted by adult or another student,
 Be alert from any sign of abuse or outside the school premises ,
 Deal appropriately with every suspicion or complaint or abuse,
 Adopt and operate a procedure that promotes this policy as much as possible, ensuring that the
teachers and individuals who are concern of the allegation shall not be prejudiced in the conduct
proceedings.
 Support students who have been abused in accordance with the student’s protection program,
 Be alert with the situation of the student in various areas like health, nutrition, and medical
condition,
 Operate clear and supportive policies on bullying,
 Consider and develop procedures that deals with the safety of the students in school

DEFININTION OF TERMS
 Children in School – refers to the bona fide pupils or learners who are enrolled in the basic
education system, whether regular, irregular, transferee or repeater, including those who have
been temporarily out of school, who are in the school or learning center premises or participating
in school-sanctioned activities.
 Child – refers to persons below eighteen (18) years of age but those over are unable to fully take
care of themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of
physical or mental disability or condition; RA 7610. For purposes of this Department order, the
term also includes pupils or students who may be eighteen (18) years of age or older but are in
school.
 Pupil, Student or Learner – means a child who regularly attends classes in any level of the basic
education system, under the supervision and guidance of a teacher or facilitator.
 School Personnel – means the person, singly or collectively, working in a private or public
school. They are classified as School Head, Other School Officials, and Academic Personnel.
 Parent – refers to biological parents, step-parents, adoptive parents and common law spouse or
partner of the parent.
 Child Protection – refers to the programs, services, procedures, and structures that are intended to
prevent and respond to abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination and violence.
 School, Visitor or Guest – refers to any person who visits the school and has many official
businesses with the school, and any person who does not have any official business but is found
within the premises of the school.
 Guardian or Custodian – refers to the legal guardians, foster parents, and other persons, including
relatives or even non-relatives who have physical custody of the child.
 Child Abuse – refers to the maltreatment of a child, whether habitual or not. Used to describe all
the ways in which children are harmed, usually by adults and often those they know and trust. It
refers to the damage that has been done to a child’s physical or mental health. An adult may
abuse a child both by inflicting harm. Alternatively, a child may abuse another child.
 Child Exploitation – refers to the use of children for someone else’s advantage, gratification or
profit often resulting in an unjust, cruel and harmful treatment of the child.
 Violence of Children Committed in School - refers to a single act or a series of acts committed by
school administrators, academic or non-academic personnel against a child, which result in
physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering.
 Physical Violence – acts that inflict bodily or physical harm

CATEGORIES OF ABUSE

Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Neglect

TWO FORMS OF EXPLOITATION

 o Sexual Exploitation – refers to the abuse of position of vulnerability, differential power,
or trust for sexual purpose.
o Economic Exploitation – refers to the use of child in work or other activities for the
benefit of others.

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST CHILDREN - refers to an act of exclusion, distinction, restriction, or

preference which is based on any ground such as age, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation and greater
identity, language, religion, national or social origin, property, birth being pregnant, being affected by
Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) being a child
in conflict with the law, being a child with disability or other status or condition, and which has a purpose
or effect of multiplying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by all persons, on an equal
footing of all rights and freedom.

PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE – refers to acts of omissions causing or like, to cause mental or

emotional suffering of the child. Other acts of violence that is prejudicial to the interest of the child.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT – refers to the kind of punishment or penalty imposed for the alleged or
actual offense, which is carried for the purpose of discipline, training or control, by a teacher, school
administrator, an adult, or any other child who has been given or has assumed authority or responsibility
for punishment or discipline. It includes physical, humiliating or degrading punishment.

1. Blows such as, but not limited to, beating, kicking, hitting, slapping, or lashing, or any part of
child’s body, with or without the use of an instrument such as, but not limited to a cane, broom,
stick, whip or belt.
2. Striking of a child’s face or head, such being declared as a “no contact zone”,
3. Pulling hair, shaking, twisting joints, cutting or piercing skin, dragging, pushing or throwing of a
child;
4. Forcing a child to perform physically painful or damaging acts such as, but not limited to, holding
a weight or weights for an extended period and kneeling on stones, salt, pebbles, or other objects;
5. Deprivation of a child’s physical needs as a form of punishment;
6. Deliberate exposure to fire, ice, water, smoke, sunlight, rain, pepper, alcohol, or forcing the child
to swallow substances, dangerous chemicals, and other materials that can cause discomfort or
threaten the child’s health, safety and sense of security such as, but not limited to bleach or
insecticides, excrement or urine.
7. Typing up a child;
8. Confinement, imprisonment or depriving the liberty of a child;
9. Verbal abuse or assaults, including intimidation or threat of bodily harm, swearing or cursing,
ridiculing or denigrating the child;
10. Forcing a child to wear a sign, to undress or disrobe, or to put on anything that will make a child
look or feel foolish, which belittles or humiliated the child in front of others’

SEXUAL VIOLENCE –acts that are sexual in nature, including but not limited to rape, sexual
harassment, forcing the child to watch against obscene publications or shows or forcing the child to do
indecent sexual acts, or any acts that causes the child to engage in any sexual activity by force, threat of
force, physical or other harm, or through inducements, gifts or favors.

BULLYING OR PEER ABUSE – refers to wildful aggressive behaviors that are directed toward a
particular victim who maybe outnumbered, younger, weak, with disability, less confident or otherwise
vulnerable to include cyber bullying.

POSITIVE AND NON-VIOLENT DISCIPLINE OF CHILDREN – is a way of thinking and a

holistic, constructive and pro-active approach to teaching that helps children develop appropriate thinking
and behavior in the short and long-term and fosters self-discipline. Positive discipline begins with the
setting the long-term goals or impacts that teachers want to have on their student’s adult lives and using
everyday situations and challenges as opportunities to teach long-life skills, and values to students.
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

SAN FERNANDO HIGH SCHOOL Child Protection Policy will be the school’s anchor in safeguarding
our student’s welfare and vow to protect their rights and uphold their dignity in a child-friendly, peaceful,
gender-sensitive learning environment.

Hence, the school and its stakeholders commit to:

a. Establish and maintain a learning environment where student’s feel safe and secured, is listened
to and encouraged to talk about his/her feeling.
b. Provide a warm and caring atmosphere for the learners where they can seek refuge from all forms
of injustice or abuse.
c. Implement measures to safeguard our student’s safety and protection from all forms of abuse.
d. Provide opportunities for the learners to develop skills to recognize and protect themselves from
abuse
e. Constantly on the look-out for any signs of abuse and to provide clear procedures to address such.
f. Capacitate oneself with knowledge on legal mandates on child protection and exercise extreme
tolerance and non-violent measures in handling students with a problem.
g. Ensure all personnel understand their responsibilities in being alert to the signs of abuse or
neglect, and their responsibility for prompt and thorough recording of cases and promptly refer to
any concerns to the designated teacher responsible for child protection and safeguarding.
h. Adopt clear procedures in handling cases of abuse, bearing into mind the following; sensitivity to
the feelings of those involves, prudence and confidentiality.
 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The School Heads shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

A. Ensure the institution of effective child protection policies and procedures and monitor
compliance thereof;
B. Ensure that the school adopts a child protection policy;
C. Ensure that all pupils, students or learners, school personnel, parents, guardians or custodians,
and visitors and guests are made aware of child protection policy;
D. Organize and convene the Child Protection Committee for school;
E. Conduct the capacity building activities for the members of the Child Protection Committee and
Guidance Counselors/ Teachers.
F. Conduct disciplinary proceedings in cases of offenses committed by pupils, students or learners;
G. Ensure that the participatory and other rights of children and respected and upheld in all matters
and procedures affecting their welfare.
H. Maintain a record of all proceedings related to bullying or peer abuse and submit after each
school year to the Division Office the report and a copy of the intake form;
I. Conduct the appropriate training and capability-building activities on the child protection
measures and protocols;
J. Ensure that the school adopts a student Code of Conduct to be followed by every pupil, student or
learner while on school grounds, or when traveling to and from school, or during a school-
sponsored activity, and during lunch period, whether on or off campus;
K. Adopt such conflict resolution mechanisms that respect the rights of indigenous peoples, provided
that they conform to this Department Order and they uphold the rights of the child.
L. Coordinate with the appropriate offices and other agency or instrumentality for appropriate
assistance and intervention as may be required in the performance of its functions;
M. Coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development or, the appropriate
government agencies or non-governmental organizations on a Child Protection Hotline for
reporting abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination, bullying and other similar acts and for
counseling;
N. Ensure that all incidents of abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination, bullying and other
similar acts are addressed in accordance with the provisions of this Department Order.
 CODE OF CONDUCT

School Head – shall exercise functions as stipulated in the duties and responsibilities of Schools. (Sec. 7,
DepEd Order No. 40, s 2012)

School Personnel – shall exercise functions as stipulated in the duties and responsibilities of School
Personnel (Sec.8, DepEd Order No. 40, s 2012)

Students and Learners – shall exercise functions as stipulated in the duties and responsibilities of Pupils,
Students and Learners (Sec. 9, DepEd Order No. 40, s 2012)

CONDUCT INSIDE THE SCHOOL

Pupils are expected to:

1. Be in school on or before the prescribed time.

2. Be in their designated class on time.
3. To be in their proper prescribed uniform (both male and female)
4. Participate actively in all class activities and comply all requirements of the course.
5. Students are expected to treat each other with respect regardless of race, color, gender, language,
religion, opinions, nationality, ethnicity, social origin, property, disability or other status.
6. Refrain from using language that is inappropriate, harassing, abusive, sexually provocative, or
culturally inappropriate.
7. Be polite always
8. Protect and safeguard the property of the school and its stakeholder.
9. Engage in wholesome and productive activities inside the school like but not limited to scouting,
band, choir.
10. Safeguard other’s safety by not bringing items that can cause harm to others like, but not limited
to bladed weapons, sharp objects or instruments, firecrackers.
11. Maintain the cleanliness and orderliness as of the classroom and campus by managing wastes, not
littering, practicing proper waste segregation, and disposal. Cleanliness and orderliness not only
of the classroom and campus but the whole vicinity of the school.
12. Help the school conserve resources like water, paper, and electricity.
13. Maintain harmonious relationship with each other by respecting each other and not engaging in
activities that can cause conflicts.
14. Always be ready to learn new things that can make you grow as a person.

CONDUCT OUSTIDE THE SCHOOL

1. Value and exercise prudence when outside the campus.

2. Uphold the name and integrity of the school by not engaging in activities that are detrimental to
you and the school.
3. Conduct self in appropriate manner expected of every SanFernandians.
4. Be ready to extend or involve oneself in worthwhile community endeavors and activities.
5. Maintain good character and good disposition.
6. Exercise safety and precaution. Maintain constant communication with parents as to whereabouts.
CONDUCT OF PARENTS / VISITORS

1. Value and exercise prudence when INSIDE the campus.

2. Uphold the name and integrity of the school by not engaging in activities that are detrimental to
you and the school.
3. Malice, degrading and violent attack to pupils/ learner within and outside the school premises is
not allowed in the school.
4. Seek the approval of the principal before entering into classrooms or advisers for complaints and
other concerns and matter.
5. Maintain good character and good disposition.
6. Respect authorities.
7. Observe proper dress code when inside the school. Sexy shorts, spaghetti, halter, backless are
prohibited.
8. Drinking liquor and smoking is not allowed inside the school.
9. No parent/visitor is allowed to enter the school premise if he/she is in the influence of liquor or
prohibited drugs.

SANCTIONS OF VIOLATIONS

1. Dismissal of child in the school

2. Letter of apology
3. Referral to BPC of DSWD

ATTENDANCE

1. Attend the flag rising and flag retreat ceremonies and other related activities of the school.
2. Observe promptness in all internal or external activities.
3. Absences must be supported by a letter from the parents and guardian to be presented to the class
advisers upon return to class. Medical certificate must also be attached if absences is due to
sickness.
4. Allowable is only 10% of the total school days per school year. Hence, those who have incurred
more than the allowed number of absences will need to cover up with the missed activities in
school and comply with the requirements that may be set by the teachers, including, but not
limited to remedial classes, summer classes and tutoring.
5. Students are encouraged to attend classes regularly and avoid cutting classes. Parent conference
and counseling will be conducted to the students who are cutting classes.

TARDINESS

1. Official time will be from 7:00 – 12:00 noon, 1:00 – 4:30 pm, Mondays to Fridays/
2. All PUPILS are expected to be in school 15 minutes before the time, those who will come after
7:00 in the morning and 1:00 in the afternoon are considered as late comers.
3. Habitual tardiness requires parent conference and counseling.
PROHIBITED ACTS

1. Being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding books, threatening gestures)

2. Pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence;
3. Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
4. Unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments;
5. Homophobic because of or focusing on the issue of sexuality.
6. Name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumors, teasing
7. Mobile threats by text messaging and calls; misuse of associated technology, i.e. camera & video
facilities.
PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAM

INITIAL INTERVENTION

1. Pupil/parent reports an incidence of bullying to any member of the school child protection
committee.
2. The committee member should make it clear to the victim that revenge is not the solution.
3. The committee member will record the details of the incident and discuss it with the pupil to
ensure accuracy.
4. The bullying behavior or threats will be investigated.
5. Witness statements may be taken from other pupils.
6. Every effort will be made to resolve the problem through counseling of both parties.
7. A restorative meeting will take place between the pupils involved so that the both pupils can
understand the behavior. The outcome will include agreed strategies for ensuring there is no
further occurrence or bullying and to improve the working relationship between the
individuals involved.
8. Following the restorative meeting a contract behaviors may be put into place to support both
the victim and the student leading the bullying.
9. In all cases parents will be informed and there will be an opportunity to discuss the problem.
10. Actions will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behavior.
11. A review meeting will take place to assess how successful initial intervention has been made
and to decide whether any further action needs to be taken.

FURTHER INTERVENTION

1. If there is no significant change in behavior of the bully a further restorative meeting will be
arranged. The outcome will include a contract of behavior.
2. Parents will be updated regarding interventions and will be informed of future actions which
may need to put into place.
3. Further actions will be made to help bully (bullies) change their behavior.
4. If the bullying behavior continues, and counseling has not worked, then sanctions follow.
Appropriate sanctions will be applied to the bully and if necessary and appropriate police will
be consulted.
5. It is important that counseling is maintained for both parties, even when sanctions have been
applied.

OUTCOMES

1. The bully (bullies) will be asked to genuinely apologize and must be engage in the restorative
process with the victim(s) in order to reconcile the students.
2. Appropriate consequences will also be put into place to sanction the behavior and to educate
the bully regarding appropriate behavior. In serious cases, suspension or even exclusion will
be considered.
3. After the incidents have been investigated and dealt with, each case will be monitored to
ensure repeated bullying does not take place.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

A child may indicate by signs or behavior that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these
possible signs and that they should investigate if a child:

1. is frightened of walking to or from school

2. is unwilling to go to school (school phobic)
3. begins to truant
4. becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
5. starts stammering
6. cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
7. feels ill in the morning
8. begins to do poorly in school work
9. comes home with clothes torn or books damaged
10. has possessions which damaged or “go missing”
11. asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully)
12. has unexplained cuts or bruises
13. comes home starving (money/ lunch has been stolen)
14. becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
15. is bullying other children or siblings
16. stops eating
17. is frightened to say what’s wrong
18. gives improbable excuses for any of the above
19. developing sleep problems and having nightmares
REFERRAL MECHANISM SYSTEM

COMPLAINANT
(STUDENT)

ADVISER

CHILD PROTECTION
COMMITTEE

GUIDANCE
COUNSELOR

PARENTS

SCHOOL HEAD

DSWSD /
PSYCHOLOGIST
REPORTING MECHANISM

Any member of the school administration, pupil or parent shall immediately report any instance of
ABUSE or act of retaliation witnesses, or that has come to one’s attention, to the Guidance Counselor.

Upon receipt of such a report, the Guidance Counselor shall promptly investigate. If it is determined that
bullying has occurred, the guidance counselor shall:

 Notify the School Child Protection Committee and take appropriate disciplinary action
 Invite the child to Guidance Office for proper guidance and counseling.
 Notify the parents or guardians of the perpetrator; and
 Notify the parents or guardians of the victim regarding the action taken prevent any
further acts of bullying
 If an incident of bullying involves pupils from more than one school, the school first
informed of the bullying shall promptly notify the appropriate administrator of the other
school so that both may take appropriate action.