Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education

Region XII

Division of South Cotabato

LAMBANATIONALHIGHSCHOOL- BANGA NHS ANNEX

SitioMatlong, Lamba, Banga, South Cotabato

E-mail address:

CONTEXTUALIZED CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

S.Y. 2015-2016

Submitted by:

LERMA C. ARON

T111/ Teacher In- Charge

II. SCHOOL CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEE ENDORSEMENT

School Head - CHAIRPERSON

Lerma c. aron

Guidance Counselor – Vice Chairperson

Mercidita l. divinagracia

Faculty Club President

Rey p. sumagpao

School Prefect of Discipline

Rey p. sumagpao

Parent Teachers’ Assoc. President

Alex f. apin

Supreme Student Government (SSG) President

ARBAIA F. LUMIDSOG

Municipal Child Protection Committee - Chairman

HON. ROSE GRACE H. ACHURRA

Barangay Child Protection Committee – Chairman

MA. FELIMA A. SUCALDITO

All advisers

All class presidents

II.

III – DepEd VISION / MISSION / CORE VALUES (DepEd Order No. 36,s.2013)

OUR VISION

We dream of Filipinos who passionately love their country and whose values and competencies enable them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to building the nation.

As a learner-centered public institution, the Department of Education continuously improves itself to better serve its stakeholders.

OUR MISSION

To protect and promote the right of every Filipino to quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete basic education where: Students learn in a child-friendly, gender-sensitive, safe and motivating environment.

Teachers facilitate learning and constantly nurture every learner. Administrator and staff as stewards of the institution, ensure an enabling and supportive environment for effective learning to happen.

Family, community and other stakeholders are effectively engaged and share responsibility for developing life-long learners.

Republic Act No. 8491 states that our national Motto shall be “MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA”.

OUR CORE VALUES

Maka-Diyos

Maka-Tao

Makakalikasan

Makabansa


IV. INTRODUCTION:

Children are innocent, trusting and full of hope. Their childhood should be joyful and loving. Their lives should mature gradually, as they gain new experiences. But for many children, the reality of childhood is altogether different.

Right through history, children have been abused and exploited. They suffer from hunger and homelessness, work in harmful conditions, high infant mortality, deficient health care and limited opportunities for basic education, A child need not live such a life. Childhood can andmustbe preserved. Children have the right to survive, develop, be protected and participate in decisions that impact their lives.

Pursuant to DepEd Order no. 40 s. 2012, it shall be the policy of the school to promote and provide a policy and guidelines on protecting school children from any form of abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination and bullying.

Hence, the Lamba National High School-Banga National High School Annex shall adopt 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 also needs to ensure that all students or learners, personnel, parents, guardians and visitors and guests are aware of the child protection policy.

V – SCOPE AND LIMITATION:

The Child Protection Policy of Lamba National High School- Banga NHS Annex covers all students officially enrolled for the school year 2015-2016 regardless of gender, age, race and religion.

The policy also includes protection of the child from all forms of bullying caused by his/ her peers in the school, and all adults including faculty members,personnel and staff and other adults who are directly involved in all school activities, both curricular and extra-curricular.

Excluded are incidents occurring in the home between the child and his/her parents.

VI – DEFINITION OF TERMS:

Based on the RA 7610 Implementing Rules and Regulations(IRR) the following terms shall be defined as:

  1. “Children” – refers to a person below eighteen (18) years of age or those over but are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse,
  2. neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability or condition.
  1. “Child Abuse” refers to the maltreatment, whether habitual or not, of the child which includes the following:

(1.)Psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional maltreatment.

(2.)Any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child as a human being:

(3.)Unreasonable deprivation of his basic needs for survival, such as food, and shelter; or

(4.)Failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child resulting in serious impairment of his growth and development or in his permanent incapacity or death.

(5.)

  1. “ Cruelty” refers to any act by word or deed which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child as a human being. Discipline administered by a parent or legal guardian to a child does not constitute cruelty PROVIDED (emphasis ours) it is reasonable in manner and moderate in degree and does not constitute physical or psychological injury as defined herein.
  1. “ Physical Injury”means harm to a child’s psychological or intellectual functioning which may be exhibited by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal or outward aggressive behavior, or a combination of said behaviors, which may be demonstrated by a change in behavior, emotional response or cognition.
  1. “ Act” refers to Republic Act No. 10627, otherwise known as “Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.
  1. “Bullying” refers to any severe, or repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another student that has the effect of actually causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or Damage to his property; creating a hostile environment at school for the other student; infringing on the rights of another student at school; or materially and substantially disrupting the education process or the orderly operation of a school; such as, but not limited to, the following:
  1. Any unwanted physical contact between the bully and the victim like punching, pushing, shoving, kicking, slapping, tickling, headlocks, inflicting school pranks, teasing, fighting and the use of available objects as weapons;
  1. Any act that causes damage to a victim’s psyche and/or emotional well-being;
  1. Any slanderous statement or accusation that causes the victim undue emotional distress like directing foul language or profanity at the target, name-calling, tormenting negatively on victim’s looks, clothes and body;
  1. “Cyber-bullying” or any bullying done through the use of technology or any electronic means. The term shall also include any conduct resulting to harassment, intimidation, or humiliation, through the use of other forms of technology, such as, but not limited to texting, email, instant messaging, chatting, internet, social media, online games, or other platforms or formats as defined in DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012; and
  1. Any other form of bullying as may be provided in the school’s child protection or anti-bullying policy, consistent with the act of this IRR.
  1. The term “bullying” shall also include:
  1. “Social Bullying” – refers to any deliberate, repetitive and aggressive social behavior intended to hurt others or to belittle another individual or group.
  1. “Gender-based bullying”– refers to any act that humiliates or excludes a person on the basis of perceived or actual sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).
  1. “Bully” – refers to any student who commits acts of bullying as defined by the Act or this IRR.
  1. “Bullied” or “Victim”– refers to any student who experiences the acts of bullying or retaliation as defined by the Act or this IRR.
  1. “Bystander” – refers to any person who witnesses or has personal knowledge of any actual or perceived acts or incidents of bullying or retaliation as defined by this IRR.
  1. “Learning Center” – refers to learning resources and facilities of a learning program for out-of-school youth and adults as defined in DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2013.
  1. “Service Provider” – refers to any person who is not a teacher or school personnel but who works in the school, such as, but not limited to, security guards, canteen personnel, utility workers, and transportation service personnel.
  2. “Student” – refers to a person who attends classes in any level of basic education, and includes a learner as defined in DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012.

VII - SIGNS OF ABUSES/BULLYING OCCURING IN THE SCHOOL

Here are possible warnings that a child may be bullied and need a support.

  1. Unexplained physical marks, cuts, bruises and scrapes.
  2. Unexplained loss of toys, school supplies clothing, lunches or money.
  3. Clothes, toys, books, electronic items are damaged or missing or child reports mysteriously “losing” possessions.
  4. Doesn’t want to go to school or other activities with peers.
  5. Afraid of riding the School Bus.
  6. Afraid to be left alone: wants the parent is there at dismissal, suddenly clingy.
  7. Suddenly sullen, withdrawn, evasive remarks about feeling lonely.
  8. Marked changed in typical behavior or personality.
  9. Appears sad, moody, angry, anxious, or depressed and that mood lasts with no known case.
  10. Physical complaints; headaches, stomachaches, frequent visits the school nurse’s clinic.
  11. Difficulty in sleeping, nightmares, cries self to sleep, bed wetting.
  12. Change in eating habit.
  13. Begins bullying siblings or younger kids. (Bullied children can sometimes flip their role and become the bully)
  14. Waits to get home to use the bathroom. (School and park bathrooms, because they are often not adult-supervised can be hot spot of bullying)
  15. Suddenly has fewer friends or doesn’t want to be with “regular group”
  16. Ravenous when he comes home. (Bullies can use extortion stealing a victim’s lunch money or lunch)
  17. Sudden and significant drop in grades. (Bullying can cause a child to have difficulty focusing and concentrating)
  18. Blames self for problems, feels “not good enough”
  19. Talks about feeling helpless or about suicide runs away.

VIII. INTERVENTIONS/ POLICIES/ CODE OF CONDUCT

Jurisprudence

  • All minor offenses or infractions of good discipline shall be handled first by class advisers. However, if the case is a grave offense, the class adviser is expected to refer the case to the School Discipline Committee. They shall call the attention of parents or guardians for a short conference and prepare the anecdotal report.
  • When the parties involved are between and/or among different year levels, the jurisdiction of school discipline officer shall be based on the year level of the primary offender. The School Grievances and Complaints Committee (SGCC) shall handle all sensitive case and when the parties involved are between or among students and teaching and/or non-teaching staff.

Guidelines in Attendance and Punctuality

The following guidelines in attendance and punctuality as stated in paragraph 1.2, Section 1, Chapter III, Part IV of 2000 DECS Service Manual shall be observed.

-Regularity of attendance and punctuality are required in all classes. A student who has been absent or has cut classes is required to present a letter of explanation from his/her parents or guardians or to bring them to school for a short conference with the section adviser or guidance counselor as the case may be.

-Attendance of students in special holidays, activities relative to their religions shall be allowed provided permission of the school head is sought.

-A student who occurs absences of more than twenty percent (20%) of the prescribed number of class or laboratory periods during the school year or term should be given a failing grade and given no credits for the subject.

-Habitual Tardiness, especially during the first period in the morning and in the afternoon shall not be allowed. Teachers concerned shall call for the parents of the student concerned or visit him/her at home.

Categories of Offenses to the School Rules and Regulations:

  • The following offenses shall be categorized as:

-GRAVE OFFENSE

The offenses punishable by suspension or expulsion depending on the seriousness of the offense stated in Paragraph 1.1.2, Section1, Chapter III, Part IV of 2000 DECS Service Manual are considered grave offenses.

  • Gross misconduct
  • Cheating and Stealing
  • Assaulting a teacher or any other school authority or his agents or student.
  • Smoking inside the school premises.
  • Vandalism, writing on or destroying school property like chairs, tables, windows, books, laboratory equipment and others.
  • Gambling of any sort.
  • Drinking intoxicants and liquor.
  • Carrying and concealing deadly weapons.
  • Extortion or asking money from others.
  • Bullying including physical, emotional, mental and cyber-bullying.
  • Fighting causing injury to others.
  • Using, possessing, and selling of prohibited drugs.
  • Hazing in any form or manner whether inside or outside the school premises.
  • Immorality or sexual harassment.
  • Instigating, leading or participating in concerned activities leading to stoppage of classes.
  • Preventing, threatening students or faculty members or school authorities from discharging their duties or from attending classes or entering school premises.
  • Forging or tampering with school records or transfer forms

-MINOR OFFENSE or infractions of good discipline to school rules and regulations are the following:

  • Absenteeism, cutting of classes and tardiness.
  • Failure to wear prescribed uniform.
  • Wearing of cap and the like inside the school building specially inside the classroom.
  • Wearing of earrings for the boys and more than a pair of earrings for the girls, outlandish hairstyles, painting tattoo, over accessories and body piercing.
  • Patronizing suspected prostitution den, gambling and pornographic places.
  • Using profane language to insult others.
  • Littering (plastic cups, bottles, candy wrappers or any waste) inside the school campus especially inside the classroom and corridors.
  • Loitering and staying inside or outside the school during class hour.
  • Bringing, using and selling of pornographic materials.
  • Using different gadgets like cellular phones, i-pad, psp, etc. during class hours.
  • Public Display of Affection (PDA) like holding hands, hugging, kissing, necking, petting and fondling.
  • Unruly behavior during assemblies, religious services, etc.
  • Going to restricted places.
  • Selling stolen goods in school.
  • Refusal to display school ID prominently and placing stickers and other objects on school ID.
  • Sitting on tables, standing on benches as sitting with feet up and legs wide apart.
  • Writing or drawing on a fellow student’s books and notebooks.
  • Borrowing without returning.
  • Spending for personal use of funds entrusted to him/her.
  • Refusing to obey a student leader when the latter is discharging his/her duty or representing an authority.
  • Irresponsibly playful like pulling chair away when one is about to sit; hiding another’s property; blocking another’s path, etc.
  • Jumping over the fence.
  • Disrespectful to the national flag and singing of national anthem.
  • Spitting elsewhere.
  • Chewing of bubble gum inside the school during class hour and placing of bubble gum on chairs, walls, etc.
  • Putting make-up and face powder during class hour.
  • Urinating elsewhere or in inappropriate places.
  • Not giving letter to parents.

XI – REFERRAL MECHANISMS / SYSTEM

Penal Provisions

  • The school head have mandated of authority, accountability and responsibility for creating an environment conducive to teaching and learning within the school that he is he/she be the only deemed person in authority. The principal as the school head is therefore in power to determine and execute the necessary sanction mandated by the school rules and regulations.
  • In the exercise of discretion given to the principal, all submitted reports and recommendations by the various levels of officers (guidance counselor, school discipline officer, curriculum chairman and class advisers) shall be considered supportive and guidelines for proper basis of judgment, fair and just decision.

-In case of irresponsible and undesirable behavior, the following sanctions may be imposed:

  • Oral Warning and written reprimand.

The violator shall be reminded on his/her misbehavior and shall sign on the behavior together with his/her parent/guardian. The case should be recorded in the confidential log book.

  • Probationary.

The violator shall be required to undergo therapy in two types.

  1. School Therapy, the student shall be given school tasks that aim to develop his/her sense of responsibility, moral character and personal discipline under the supervision of guidance counselor, school discipline officer and class adviser.
  1. Home Therapy, shall be given to student who needs parental guidance. He/she shall be given tasks that aim to develop his/her intrapersonal skills under the supervision of guidance counselor, school discipline officer, class adviser and parents/guardians.
  • Suspension. The violator may be suspended for a fixed period. It will be recorder in the student’s Anecdotal Record.
  • Expulsion. The violator shall be banned on enrolment. His/her right to avail free public education shall be terminated.

IX. REFERRAL MECHANISMS SYSTEM

Category / First
Offense / Second Offense / Third
Offense / Fourth Offense
Minor Offense/
Sanction / Refer to the class adviser / Refer to the School Discipline Officer / Refer to the Guidance Counselor / Refer to the Principal
Oral Reprimand / Oral and Written Reprimand / Probationary / Suspension
Grave Offense/
Sanction / Refer to the School Discipline Officer / Refer to the Guidance Counselor / Refer to the Principal / Refer to the School Grievances and Complaints Committee
Oral and Written Reprimand / Probationary / Suspension / Expulsion

•Note: