DepEd Revises Anti-Bullying Rules to Strengthen School Safety

“Walang batang dapat matakot pumasok sa paaralan,” said Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.

Published on Aug 5, 2025

The Department of Education (DepEd) has taken a firmer stance against bullying in schools with the rollout of new guidelines that make safety and accountability a top priority. Education Secretary Sonny Angara has signed the updated Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, a law he authored during his time in the Senate.

Also read: 5 Ways to Help your Child Amid Bullying in School or Online

DepEd Strengthens Anti-Bullying Rules

Under the new rules, schools must adopt a Standard Anti-Bullying Policy. This includes prevention programs, early intervention efforts, and a clear system for reporting and appeals that students, teachers, and parents can easily follow.

The revised IRR applies to all public and private schools, community learning centers, and even overseas schools under DepEd’s management.

“Ang eskuwela ay lugar ng pagkatuto, hindi ng pang-aapi. Wala dapat puwang ang bullying sa kahit anong sulok ng ating mga paaralan at lipunan,” said Angara during the signing.

What’s Changing Inside Schools?

Every school is now required to have a Learner Formation Officer as the first point of contact for bullying cases. This officer is tasked with responding and providing support to affected students. Schools must also include anti-bullying policies in student handbooks and display them in at least three prominent areas on campus.

DepEd also expanded the definition of bullying. It now includes cyberbullying, gender or religion-based harassment, intimidation, emotional distress, and social exclusion—even when there is no physical harm.

“Kailangan may kultura ng malasakit at respeto. At para mangyari ito, binibigyan natin ng malinaw na kapangyarihan at tungkulin ang mga guro, magulang, at school head,” said Angara.

Paano Maiiwasan Ang Bullying: 7 Paraan Mula Sa Mga Magulang at Guro

Narito ang ilang payo mula sa mga magulang at guro sa kung paano makaiiwas sa bullying ang anak.

READ HERE

Meanwhile, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) immediately backed DepEd’s new guidelines. “With this new IRR, we commend DepEd for taking concrete steps to make sure that all of our schools are safe spaces for all learners,” said EDCOM 2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, EDCOM 2 co-chairperson, didn’t mince words: “I strongly urge all schools to immediately enforce tougher anti-bullying measures. Hindi na tayo papayag na manatiling bullying capital of the world.”

He called on school administrators to align these changes with the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which mandates on-campus mental health care, the deployment of licensed counselors, and school-based programs that support emotional and psychological safety.

“Walang batang dapat matakot pumasok sa paaralan. Dapat ito’y maging ligtas na kanlungan ng pangarap at pag-asa,” Gatchalian added.

Click here to learn how bullying affects your child’s school performance and what you can do about it.

Hanna is a News Desk Writer at Smart Parenting, covering parenting, health, culture, and more. Off the clock, she’s likely people-watching at a café or park, matcha latte in hand.