What are the Salient Points of the IRR of RA 10627

by Christopher John Lao | Bullying, Cyber Wellness ToolBox, CyberBullying | 0 comments

What are the applicable laws we can use to combat bullying and cyberbullying

IRR of RA 10627 Highlights:

Coverage clarified to cover:

Public and private

Kindergarten

Elementary

Secondary Schools

Learning Centers

“Bullying” includes:

social bullying: belittling another individual or group

gender-based bullying: bullying on the basis of perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity

“Cyber-bullying includes:

texting

email

instant messaging

chatting

internet

social media

online games

Learning center defined as facilities for learning programs for out-of-school youth and adults

Schools to have prevention program that is comprehensive, multi-faceted, and shall involve all education
stakeholders and personnel. This may contain:
Positive school climate/environment

Periodic assessment and monitoring of bullying behaviors

Periodic review of manual of conduct for both students and personnel, in relation to bullying

Activities on the issue for students, personnel and service providers

Personnel development

Coordination with LGUs and other stakeholders

Classroom initiatives

Activities involving parents

Schools to have intervention programs to ensure continuity of policies. These may include:

Activities

Corrective and preventive, rather than punitive, measures

Intake Sheet to be accomplished by schools whenever there is an incident of bullying

Anti-Bullying policy may be part of the schools’ already established child protection policy

Schools to submit reports prescribed in IRR

Students have a duty to intervene to protect the victim, unless the same jeopardizes their safety/security

Students, like teachers, have a duty to report incidents of bullying

The Child Protection Committee (CPC) established by DepEd Order 40 shall also be the Anti-Bullying
Committee

Composition of Committee:

School Head/Admin-Chair

Guidance Counselor/Teacher-Vice Chair

Rep of teachers designated by faculty

Rep of parents as designated by PTA

Rep of students, except in kinder, as designated by student council-optional for private schools

Rep from community as designated by Punong Barangay, preferably from the Barangay Council for the
Protection of Children (BCPC)
Jurisdiction for complaints of bullying and other acts under the IRR: exclusive: DepEd or private school
and not subject to barangay settlement

Procedures must include:

Immediate responses-ANYONE who has personal knowledge must immediately call the attention of ANY
school personnel

School personnel once notified is expected to intervene:

Stop the bullying immediately

Remove students from harm and provide medical attention if needed

Bring the bully to the Guidance Office or designated personnel

Anonymous reporting to be entertained

Person reporting to be afforded protection

Fact-finding and documentation:

Designated school official to:

Interview parties involved separately

Assess threat level, devise intervention strategies

Inform parents of both parties of the steps to be taken

Make recommendations to CPC

CPC to determine the intervention programs for parties involved.

Schools may refer parties to trained professionals outside the school

Disciplinary measures must be according to nature, gravity of the bullying and attendant circumstances

Due process must be observed

Community service may be a form of punishment if the same is in the rules and regulations of the school

CPC supervises the intervention programs

On due process:

Student and his parents to be informed IN WRITING of the complaint

Student to be given the opportunity to answer with assistance of parents/guardians

Decision of the school head shall be IN WRITING, stating the basis thereof

School head’s decision may be appealed to Division Office of DepEd

False accusation of bullying also to be sanctioned

Bullying incidents are confidential and breach thereof by school personnel is likewise sanctioned

All schools covered to submit a copy of their anti-bullying policy to the Division Office within 6 MONTHS
FROM EFFECTIVITY OF IRR (around June this year) (IRR signed December 13, 2013)

Private schools who fail to comply with law and IRR will be given notice of such failure. They shall be
given 30 days to comply. Max 1 month extension allowed in meritorious cases.

END…Other points of RA 1o627 is a mere rehash of contents of la