Republic of the Philippines

Region XII

Cotabato Division

Arakan East District

LIBERTAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Libertad, Arakan, Cotabato

SCHOOL’S CHILD PROTECTION AND ANTI-BULLYING POLICIES

I. Rationale

Libertad Elementary School supports the idea that school should be a place where pupils are respected, cared, protected, taught and nurtured for them to achieve their full potentials and become productive of our country. Thus, Libertad Elementary School createsa policy which will prevent child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying and other forms of abuse and promotes a Child Friendly School System.

II. Difinition of Terms

a. “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 prosperity; creating a hostile environment at school for the other student; infringing on the rights of other student at school; or materially and substantially disrupting the education process or the orderly operation of 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, headlock, inflicting school pranks, teasing, fighting, and the use of available objects as weapons. In addition, spitting, stealing, hiding/damaging property of others.

2. Any act that causes damage to a victim’s psyche and/or emotional well-being:

3. Any slanderous statement or accusation, that causes the victim undue emotional distress like directing foul language or profanity at the target, name-calling , tormenting and commenting negatively on victim’s looks, clothes and body, and offensive remarks, spreading rumors, demeaning, offensive notes, graffiti, ridicule.

4. “Cyber – Bullying” or any bullying done through the use of the 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

a.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.

2. “ Gender – based Bullying” – refer to any act that humiliates or excludes a person on the basis of perceived or actual sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI)

b. “Bully” refers to any pupil who commits acts of bullying.

c. “Bullied” or “Victim” refers to any pupil who experiences the acts of bullying or retaliation.

III. School Policies

  1. There should be a close monitoring of assigned teachersand SPG officersin the school premises before the time, during recess, noontime and in the afternoon.
  2. Teachers should model good behaviors, e.g. in the manner of speaking, use of words, gesture and etc.
  3. Teachers should spot pupils showing exemplary behavior and recognize or reward.
  4. Pupils must respect the rights of other children and must do any harm to their fellow.
  5. Bullying incidents must be reported to any of the member of the council within the day.
  6. Visitors/parents are not allowed to barge in directly to rooms without permission/approval from the office
  7. Investigation will be conducted only by authorized personnel, not later than 24 hours upon acknowledgment of report.
  8. Observe proper behavior in dealing with bullying problem; 1. Classroom Level by adviser, (2) School Guidance Office, (3) Child Protection Committee, (4) higher Office as referred to by the School CPC.
  9. There must counseling to both bully and victim.
  10. Impose disciplinary actions to the offender according to the gravity of offense.
  1. Parents shall be actively involved in all school activities or events thatraise awareness on children’s rights, positive discipline, and the prevention of bullying;

(References: Republic Act No..10627 & PNHS LibunganTorella Annex’ Child Protection and Anti-Bullying Policies)