Child abuse in school: Text DepEd for action

Incidents of child abuse in schools can now be reported through the cellular phone, through a nationwide text messaging service that directs complaints to the Department of Education (DepEd).

This was announced by Education officer-in-charge Undersecretary Fe Hidalgo yesterday as she warned teachers and other school officials not to inflict corporal punishment on any child.

"Incidents of child abuse in schools can be reported directly to the Department of Education DTxT Action Center by texting 2622 (type DEPED FDBK <name> <message> and send to 2622) or by calling hotline number (02) 636-1663," said Hidalgo in a statement issued yesterday.

Hidalgo’s statement came in the wake of reports received by the DepEd recently of an incident involving a schoolchild who was allegedly forced to eat pencil shavings as punishment by one of her teachers.

"There is no excuse for enforcing cruel and harmful punishment no matter what the child’s offense is. I therefore ask our teachers to be wary about child abuse and coercion in the classroom," Hidalgo said. "Every teacher should first and foremost ensure the welfare and development of our children to equip them with values such as patience, tolerance and respect for others and we should be their models."

Hidalgo said the DepEd has made it clear that its policy forbids the use of corporal punishment by teachers and school officials and that it should never be used as an option to discipline students.

"I therefore call upon our education officials, our principals and teachers to strictly enforce this policy in their schools. I am also calling upon students and parents to help us by reporting such incidences to the proper authorities. DepEd will not hesitate to impose sanctions and file charges against those who commit abuse against our students," said Hidalgo.

According to DepEd Order No. 92 issued in 1992, school officials and teachers have the right to impose "appropriate and reasonable disciplinary measures" in cases of minor offenses and infractions of good discipline.

The order, however, does not permit the use of corporal, cruel and physically harmful punishment against any pupil or student. School officials or teachers who are caught violating this order can be charged not only administratively but criminally as well.

The DepEd’s reiteration came in the light of the case of nine-year-old Ma. Delamar Redota, a grade two student of Silangan Elementary School in Taguig who allegedly was made to swallow pencil shavings by her teacher, Brenda Elbambuena.

Hidalgo immediately ordered DepEd NCR Regional Director Teresita Domalanta to investigate the case so that appropriate actions could be taken.

"We assure everyone that we are looking into this matter and that proper procedure is being observed," said Hidalgo.

The DepEd is also now ready to file immediate charges against Elbambuena, said Hidalgo.

On the other hand, Hidalgo also appealed to students to be on their best behavior while in school. "I also appeal to the students to behave well because your teachers work so hard even after office hours to give you better education," said Hidalgo.