Anti-Bullying Act of 2013

(REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10627)

AN ACT REQUIRING
ALL SCHOOLS TO ADOPT
POLICIES TO PREVENT
AND ADDRESS THE ACTS
OF BULLYING IN THEIR
INSTITUTIONS

BY: MARY GRACE B. PACATANG, RGC

Head, Guidance & Counseling Center
 What is bullying?
• It refers to:
a) Any severe or repeated use
b) By one or more students
c) Of a written, verbal or electronic
expression, or a physical act or
gesture, or any combination thereof
d) Directed at another student
e) that has the effect of:
 actually causing or placing the latter in
reasonable fear of physical or emotional
harm or damage to his property;
 creating a hostile environment at school
for the other student;
 infringing on the rights of the other
student at school; or
 materially and substantially disrupting the
education process or the orderly operation
of a school;
• Bullying in school is a frequent and serious
problem
• “A student is being bullied or victimized
when exposed, repeatedly over time, to
intentional injury or discomfort inflicted
by one or more students. It implies an
imbalance of power or strength in which
others victimize one child” [According to Peterson
and Skiba (2002, in Corrigan, 2004)]
 Bullying vs. Usual Conflicts
• Bullying can be differentiated from the
usual conflicts between students.
• The former is a combination of
aggression and power while the latter
has no deliberate intention to hurt
physically and/or emotionally.
 Two Types of Bullying
• DIRECT BULLYING - involves physical and
verbal aggression
– Consisted of name calling, taunting, hurtful
teasing, insults, put downs, intimidation,
extortion, harassment, and/or threats.
– Such form of bullying was done mostly by male
students.
• INDIRECT BULLYING - involves
relational/social bullying
• Based on a study done by Catherine O. Espero and Mary Grace DP. Espinosa in 2010 for the
University of the Philippines (http://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/ali/article/view/1765/1681)
 Two Types of Bullying
• INDIRECT BULLYING - involves
relational/social bullying
– Involved gossiping, spreading rumors,
writing hurtful notes (i.e. cellphone
messages, online blogs), and exclusion from
games or groups.
– Those incidents happened mostly among
groups of female friends.
• Based on a study donein 2010 by Catherine O. Espero and Mary Grace DP. Espinosa for the
University of the Philippines
(http://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/ali/article/view/1765/1681)
PROHIBITED ACTS
 Risk Factors for the Target
These traits are common among the target of bullying:
• socially isolated
• physically weak or with special needs
• emotionally reactive or quick tempered
• lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or those who are
questioning their identities
• difficulty with social skills
• hyperactive
• obese or overweight
• anxious/sensitive
**Please note: there is no one single profile for a target of
bullying.
 Risk Factors for the Offender
These traits are common among the offender of
bullying:
• impulsive
• hot-tempered
• aggressive
• lack of empathy
• disregard for rules
• social leader
• self-involved
**Please note: there is no one single profile for an Offender.
 Bullying Warning Signs
Possible warning signs that a student is being
bullied:
• difficulty focusing on tasks
• loss of interest in school work or sudden change
in grades
• appears sad, tearful or anxious
• complains of headaches or stomachaches
• experiences a loss of appetite
• Increase in absences or being tardy to school
• avoidance of social activities

**Warning signs can include any significant behavior change.

Effects of Bullying
Effects of Bullying
 Some
Important Points
 Can bullying be done outside
school grounds?
YES!
R.A. 10627 also prohibits bullying:
 at a location, activity, function or program that is not school-
related
 and through the use of technology or an electronic device
that is not owned, leased or used by a school
 if the act or acts in question:
a) create a hostile environment at school for the victim,
b) infringe on the rights of the victim at school, or
c) materially and substantially disrupt the education process
or the orderly operation of a school
 If you report a bullying
incident, are you protected?
YES!
R.A. 10627 prohibits retaliation against a
person:
 who reports bullying,
 who provides information during an
investigation of bullying, or
 who is a witness to or has reliable
information about bullying;
 Can you report a bullying
incident anonymously?
YES!

R.A. 10627 states however, that no

disciplinary administrative action shall be
taken against a perpetrator solely on the
basis of an anonymous report
Will the perpetrator of bullying
or retaliation be rehabilitated?
YES!
• R.A. 10627 states that, in addition to the
disciplinary sanctions, the perpetrator of
bullying or retaliation shall also be required to
undergo a rehabilitation program which shall be
administered by the institution concerned.
• The parents of the said perpetrator shall be
encouraged by the said institution to join the
rehabilitation program.
 Can the names of the
perpetrators be made public?
The names of students who committed acts of bullying
or retaliation shall be strictly confidential; and only
made available to the:
o school administration
o teachers directly responsible for the said students
and
o parents or guardians of students who are or have
been victims of acts of bullying or retaliation
Anti-Bullying
Mechanisms
Procedures and strategies for bullying:
• Report acts of bullying;
• Respond in a timely manner and investigate reports of bullying;
• Ensure victim’s safety and assess if they need additional protection;
• Provide counseling and other necessary services for the victims, perpetrators
and family members.
• Allow students to anonymously report bullying provided, that no disciplinary
administrative action will be taken against the reported student based solely
on the anonymous report;
• Provide sanction to a student who makes false accusation of bullying;
• Educate students on the anti-bullying policies and dynamics of bullying;
• Educate parents and guardians about the anti-bullying polices, dynamics of
bullying and how parents and guardians can provide support and reinforce
policies at home; and
• Keep a public record of statistics and relevant information on acts of bullying.
However, the names of the students who were reported to have committed the
acts of bullying must be treated with confidentiality and will only be made
available to the teachers and school administration that are directly responsible
for the said students and parents or guardians of the victims of bullying.
Take Action to STOP A BULLY - 3 R's to Reduce Bullying
Refuse to be a Bully Bystander!
Most bullying will not occur if the bully Report Bullying!
Recognize does not have an "audience"...
Bullying! DO NOT Laugh if Someone is Being
Teased If you are a victim
DO NOT Go Watch a School Fight of witness to
Increase your DO NOT Participate in Sending school
understanding & Hurtful Messages bullying, Report
awareness of DO NOT Allow Students to be It! Talk to your
bullying behavior Singled Out parent, talk to a
and its DO NOT Laugh at Inappropriate friend, talk to a
effects. Recogniz Jokes
teacher, talk to the
e when you or DO NOT Forward Private Messages
to Others counselor. Tell
someone you someone so action
DO NOT Participate in Spreading
know is being Rumours can be taken to
bullied and take DO NOT Stand By and Do Nothing make the bullying
steps to make it DO NOT Be a Bully Bystander! stop.
stop. to ensure it does not continue.
Take Action to STOP A BULLY - 3 R's to Reduce Bullying
The OSA Director, Faculty, Guidance
Counselor/Designate, Grievance &
Complaint Head or any person who
holds a comparable role
shall be responsible for the
implementation and oversight of
policies intended to address bullying.
 Step One: REPORT
• Any member of the school
administration, student, parent or
volunteer shall immediately report
• any instance of bullying or act of
retaliation witnessed, or that has come
to one’s attention,
• to the OSA Director or Dean or person
so designated by the Dean to handle
such issues
 Step Two: INVESTIGATE
• Upon receipt of such a report, the
school principal or the designated school
officer or person shall promptly
investigate.
 Step Three: TAKE ACTION
• If it is determined that bullying or
retaliation has occurred, the school
principal or the designated school officer
or person shall:
a) Notify the law enforcement agency if the
school principal or designee believes that
criminal charges under the Revised Penal
Code may be pursued against the
perpetrator;
b) Take appropriate disciplinary
administrative action;
Step Three: TAKE ACTION
c) Notify the parents or guardians of the
perpetrator; and
d) Notify the parents or guardians of the
victim regarding the action taken to
prevent any further acts of bullying or
retaliation.
Step Three: TAKE ACTION
Note: If an incident of bullying or
retaliation involves students from more than
one school, the school first informed of the
bullying or retaliation shall promptly notify
the appropriate administrator of the other
school so that both may take appropriate
action.
Anti-Bullying Campaign Reminder
Anti-Bullying Campaign Reminder
Anti-Bullying Campaign Reminder
Anti-Bullying Campaign Reminder
RA 7877
 Photo from eyeswiredopen.blogspot.com

Photo from Pendlebury Workplace Law

Photo from http://www.news.com.au

Do you think women are the
only ones being sexually
harassed?
Image is from www.sodahead.com
Section 2. Declaration of Policy

The State shall value the 1dignity of every

individual, 2enhance the development of its
human resources, 3guarantee full respect for
human rights, and 4uphold the dignity of
workers, employees, applicants for
employment, students or those undergoing
training, instruction or education. Towards
this end, all forms of sexual harassment in
the employment, education or training
environment are hereby declared unlawful.
Section 3 (a) In a work-related or employment
environment, sexual harassment is committed
when:
(1) The sexual favor is made as a condition in the
hiring or in employment, re-employment or
continued employment of said individual, or in
granting said individual favorable compensation,
terms of conditions, promotions, or privileges;or
the refusal to grant the sexual favors results in
limiting, segregating or classifying the employee
which in any way would discriminate, deprive or
diminish employment opportunities or otherwise
adversely affect said employee;
Section 3 (a) In a work-related or employment
environment, sexual harassment is committed
when:
(2) The above acts would impair the employee’s
rights or privileges under existing labor laws; or

(3) The above acts would result in an intimidating,

hostile, or offensive environment for the
employee.
Section 3(b).

In an education or training environment,

sexual harassment is committed:

(1) Against one who is under the care,

custody or supervision of the
offender;

(2) Against one whose education,

training, apprenticeship or tutorship
is entrusted to the offender;
Section 3(b).
(3) When the sexual favor is made a
condition to the giving of a passing
grade, or the granting of honors and
scholarships, or the payment of a
stipend, allowance or other
benefits, privileges, or consideration;
or

(4) When the sexual advances result in an

intimidating, hostile or offensive
environment for the student, trainee
or apprentice.
Rule X: Classification of Acts of
Sexual Harassment

Section 53. Sexual harassment is

classified as GRAVE, LESS
GRAVE and LIGHT offense
A. Grave Offenses shall include
but are not limited to:

 Unwanted touching of private parts

of the body (genitalia, buttocks and
breast);

 Sexual assault;

 Malicious touching;
A. Grave Offenses shall include
but are not limited to:

 Requesting for sexual favor in exchange

for employment, promotion, local or
foreign travels, favorable working
conditions or assignments, a passing
grade, a granting of honors or
scholarship, or the grant of benefits or
payment of a stipend or allowance, and

 Other analogous cases.

Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values

B. Less Grave Offenses shall
include but are not limited to:

 Unwanted touching or brushing against

victim’s body;

 Pinching not falling under grave offenses

 Derogatory or degrading remarks or

innuendoes directed toward the member
of one’ sex or one’s sexual orientation or
used to describe a person;

Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values

B. Less Grave Offenses shall
include but are not limited to:

 Verbal abuse or threats with sexual

overtones; and

 Other analogous cases.

Light Offenses
 Surreptitiously looking or stealing look at
a person’s private parts or worn
undergarment;

 Telling sexist/smutty jokes or sending

there through text, electronic mail or other
similar means causing embarrassment or
offense and carried out after the offender
has been advised that they are offensive
and embarrassing or even without such
advise, when they are by nature clearly
embarrassing, offensive and vulgar;
Light Offenses
 Malicious leering or ogling;

 The display of sexually offensive

pictures, materials or graffiti;

 Unwelcome inquiries or comment about

a person’s sex life;

 Unwelcome sexual flirtation, advances,

proposition;
Light Offenses
 Making offensive hand or body gestures
at an employee;

 Persistent unwanted attention with

sexual overtones;

 Unwelcome phone calls with sexual

overtones causing discomfort,
embarrassment, offense or insult to the
receiver; and

 Other analogous cases.

Rule XI. Administrative Liabilities
Section 54

 The head of office who fails to act

within (15) days from receipt of any
complaint for sexual harassment
properly filed against any employee
in that office shall be charged with
Neglect of Duty.
Section 55

 Any person who is found guilty of

sexual harassment shall, after
investigation, be meted the penalty
corresponding to the gravity and
seriousness of the offenses.
Section 7
Criminal Penalties:

 Imprisonment of not less than 1 (one)

month nor more than 6(six) months; or
 Fine of not less than Php 10,000 nor
more than Php 20,000; or
 Both such fine and imprisonment at the
discretion of the court.
Section 56
PENALTIES:

 For light offenses:

2nd offense – fine or suspension
not exceeding 30 days
3rd offense – dismissal

 For grave offenses:

- Dismissal
Section 57

If the respondent is found guilty of

two or more charges or counts, the
penalty to be imposed should be that
corresponding to the most serious
charge or count and the rest shall be
considered as aggravating
circumstances.
If You are a Victim of Sexual
Harassment…
If you are a Victim of Sexual
Harassment…

 Recognize sexual harassment when it

happens. Understand that it is not your
fault and that it neither "comes with the
job" nor is "part of the educational
process."

 Don't ignore the offensive behavior. The

behavior probably will not change if
you ignore it without taking further
action.
If you are a Victim of Sexual
Harassment…

 One option is to talk to the harasser.

Tell him/her that you find the
behavior offensive.

 Put your objections to the sexual

harassment in writing, send a letter
to the harasser, and keep a copy in
your file.
If you are a Victim of Sexual
Harassment…

 Document all sexual harassment

incidents or conversations about the
incidents. Record the date, time,
place, people involved, and who said
what to whom. Consider keeping two
sets of your documentation for your
files.
If you are a Victim of Sexual
Harassment…

 Don't encourage harassers by

smiling, laughing at their jokes, or
"flirting back.“
This type of response can lead a
harasser to mistakenly think you
enjoy this type of attention.
“ He who would love life and see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.”

Let him turn away from evil and do good;

Let him pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

and His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who
do evil.”
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober,
and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be
brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to

the former lusts, as in ignorance;
But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in
all your conduct,
Because it is written, “BE HOLY, for I AM HOLY.” And
if you call on the Father, who without partiality
judges according to each one’s work, CONDUCT
YOURSELVESTHROUGHOUTYOURTIME OFYOUR
STAY HERE IN FEAR.”
THANK YOU AND ENJOY THE
REST OF THE SEMINAR!