Evaluating the Anti-bullying Act of 2013 and Its Implementation in Philippine Public Schools

Abstract

School, as a simulation of society, is a place of development for young learners. However, it may also create an environment unhealthy to students caused by bullying -- making it a crucial concern for schools due to victims exhibiting psychological or social repercussions. Thus, the ‘Anti-Bullying Act’ (RA 10627) was passed into Philippine law in 2013, aiming to prevent such and to further protect learners’ rights. Upon its enactment, however, an increasing trend in school bullying became evident despite the measures applied, with social media as a contributor. This status quo may give an impression that the Philippine society as a whole is still struggling to understand the problem and in finding resolutions to this escalating concern. This paper discusses the conceptual challenges bullying poses for school policy efforts; evaluate the impact of the law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations in public secondary schools in the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan regarding their anti-bullying policies; and propose recommendations such as ‘immediate intervention strategies’. Foreign legislation addressing school bullying also serve as a cross-reference vis-à-vis RA 10627. While this paper seeks to contribute to the existing literature of bullying and strengthening policies against it, it is likewise a fresh attempt at examining the consequences that may arise when conflicts and other legal issues come into place. What is clear is that, there is a need today to properly re-examine the policies protecting the children of the nation in light of the growing understanding that every learner is special.



Author Information
John Roben Ambas, Bulacan State University, Philippines

Paper Information
Conference: ACE2019
Stream: Educational policy

This paper is part of the ACE2019 Conference Proceedings (View)
Full Paper
View / Download the full paper in a new tab/window


Comments & Feedback

Place a comment using your LinkedIn profile

Comments

Share on activity feed

Powered by WP LinkPress

Share this Research

Posted by James Alexander Gordon