By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—Owing to the increasing number of bullying cases in public schools here, the Ilocos Norte Schools Division Office (INSDO) through its Legal Division Office has mandated the creation of child protection committees in all elementary and secondary schools here.
For the school year 2015-2016, Atty. Marshall Ellis Diego, INSDO legal counselor reported that they have received about 50 reports of bullying in school compared to 20 similar cases in the previous year.
Mr. Diego explained violence takes many forms. It could be peer-to-peer bullying, gender-based discrimination, physical assault, psychological punishment, public ridicule, and sexual harassment as the most common types of violence in schools.
In view of this, a forum on child protection policy and anti-bullying is being conducted in the different schools here to instill public awareness and promote safer environment for children.
Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 mandates the creation of Child Protection Committees in schools. The committee shall be composed of school officials, teachers, parents, students, and community representatives.
In Ilocos Norte, public schools here are just starting to boost its child protection policy by training school personnel on how to properly handle child abuse and bullying cases.
Meanwhile, the DepEd has reiterated that under Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA 7610), teachers who humiliate students will face administrative sanctions.
The public is also enjoined to participate actively in reporting cases of bullying against students in public schools for appropriate action.
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