Senate set to pass bill vs bullying in schools

MANILA, Philippines - In the age of the Internet and social networking, bullying among students has been taken to a new level.

Nowadays, bullying is not only done in schools but also in cyberspace, where it is more difficult to monitor and control.

As a result, cases of bullying have increased and have become more serious, alarming parents and teachers.

Congress could make a difference if the proposed anti-bullying bill pending in the Senate is approved on third and final reading next week.

Senate’s counterpart bill for House Bill 5496, or the proposed Anti-Bullying in Schools Act, is up for approval on Wednesday, the first of two session days remaining for the 15th Congress.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago filed the counterpart bill that was originally proposed by Ako Bicol party-list Reps. Christopher Co, Rodel Batocabe and Alfredo Garbin Jr.

In the explanatory note of her Senate Bill 2677, Santiago said a student’s development is hampered when there are incidents of violence, harassment and fear among students, “most exemplified in cases of bullying.”

“Bullying causes physical, psychological and emotional harm to students and interferes with students’ ability to learn and participate in school activities,” Santiago added.

She also cited the new form of bullying that has emerged through the use of the Internet: cyberbullying.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV filed a similar bill, which was incorporated in the committee report taken up by the Senate.

Based on the committee report prepared by the Senate committee on education, arts and culture chaired by Sen. Edgardo Angara, perpetrators of bullying will be subjected to disciplinary action and will have to undergo a rehabilitation program to be administered by the academic institution.

Parents of the bullies will also be encouraged to participate in the rehabilitation program.

All schools will be required to institute a policy to address bullying, which covers the process for addressing bullying incidents, reporting of these incidents, investigation of the reports, and notification of parents or guardians of the perpetrators and victims.

Students and parents involved will be educated on the dynamics of bullying as well as the anti-bullying policies of the school.