Yasmien Kurdi calls for stronger action against bullying
Trigger warning: Mentions of bullying
MANILA, Philippines — Actress Yasmien Kurdi has renewed her call for stronger measures against bullying, saying the problem will continue if it is not properly addressed by parents, school and communities.
In a Facebook post, Yasmien shared her thoughts after watching the South Korean series “Teach You a Lesson,” which tackles the issue of bullying and the failure of institutions to protect victims.
The actress admitted that she initially hesitated to watch the series because of its emotionally triggering subject matter. However, she said her daughter, Ayesha Zara, encouraged her to give it a chance.
"At first, ayoko talaga siyang panoorin dahil triggering at nakaka-palpitate siya for me. Pero sabi niya, 'Hintayin mo lang, Mama. May sasagip din sa mga nabubully,'" Yasmien recalled.
According to the actress, one of the show's strongest messages is the importance of protecting victims and holding bullies accountable. She noted that the series portrays the tragic consequences of unchecked bullying.
Yasmien emphasized that bullying creates a harmful cycle when left unresolved.
"Kapag hindi naaaksyunan ang bullying, hindi natatapos ang cycle dahil maghahanap lang ulit ng bagong target ang mga bully," she said.
The actress also highlighted an episode that explored the effects of permissive and irresponsible parenting, saying she could relate to the situation through her own experiences.
Among the lines from the series that resonated with her was a quote from the character Na Hwa-jin: "Doctors should not be afraid of their patients. Lawyers should not be afraid of their clients. Teachers should not be afraid of their students."
While acknowledging that the drama is fictional, Yasmien said it raises important questions about who protects victims, how schools should respond when problems escalate, and what measures are needed to safeguard both students and teachers.
She urged parents to discipline children while they are still young and stressed that schools should remain safe spaces for learning rather than environments where abuse is tolerated.
Following “Teach You a Lesson,” Yasmien said she also watched the Korean legal drama “Juvenile Justice,” where another memorable line reinforced her belief that raising responsible children requires collective effort. Interestingly, both dramas star Kim Mu-hyeol.
"It takes a village to raise a child," she quoted, adding that parents, schools, communities, and government institutions all share responsibility in guiding the youth.
Yasmien also reminded minors that while Philippine law exempts children aged 15 and below from criminal liability under certain circumstances, civil liability may still apply and parents may ultimately bear the consequences.
The actress's comments come amid her family's own experience with bullying. Previously, Yasmien revealed that her daughter had been a victim of bullying, prompting the family to transfer her to another school to ensure her safety and well-being.
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