SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR LEARNERS

Schools are safe havens for children. These places of learning must provide an environment that is free from fear and conducive to learning.

Because children must be protected from all forms of abuse and violence, the Department of Education (DepEd) reiterates its Child Protection Policy (DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012).

The Order requires all public and private elementary and secondary schools to create their own Child Protection Committee (CPC), which should ensure that cases and instances of abuse are monitored closely at school level. The committee will also assess the reports and complaints, and will conduct investigations, expeditiously.

DepEd also ensures the conduct of nationwide information campaign to mobilize and educate students, parents, teachers, community, local government units, and other stakeholders in addressing child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying and other forms of abuse.

DepEd is also calling for learners to respect everyone’s rights regardless of opinion, status, gender, ethnicity, religion, as well as everyone’s moral and physical integrity.

The DepEd also denounced the use of corporal punishment or any kind of punishment imposed for an alleged or actual offense, which is carried out by a teacher, school administrator, an adult, or any other child who has been given or has assumed authority or responsibility for punishment or discipline.

-oOoThe

I at Dela Paz Norte Elementary School

author is Master Teacher

MELISA G. LIBAS