DepEd bans teacher-student friendly relations
THE issuance of an amended order that now prevents teachers from having relationships with students outside learning hours is expected to prevent bias and possible criminal motives that could arise from this relationship, according to Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to Department of Education (DepEd) Order 49, which amends a previous directive that “professionalizes the delivery of basic education programs and services,” teachers, non-teaching personnel, and employees should “avoid relationships, interactions, and communication, including following social media, with learners outside of the school setting except if they are relatives.”
“As a teacher, there should be a line between them and the learner. They should not have friendly relations outside learning institutions as it could lead to bias that might cause problems,” Duterte said during an ambush interview in Manila on Friday.
She added that these inappropriate relationships may cause criminal incidents among teachers and students. A case in point is that of a teacher in Basey, Samar who was stabbed by his former student during a drinking session last October, which she said could have been avoided.
She stressed that teachers and nonteaching personnel should draw a “fine line” between maintaining friendships during and outside of school hours.
“We recognize that these incidents are preventable if our non-teaching and teaching personnel of the Department of Education would draw the line, where they could be friends inside the school setting and not carry it outside of it,” Duterte added.
Department Order 49, issued on November 2, also prevents teachers and non-teaching personnel from seeking endorsements, recommendations, contributions, support, consideration, political accommodation or any form of intervention from other government personnel or similar entities outside the DepEd.
They are also urged to exercise caution when sharing posts on social media and should not participate in the spreading of rumors and false information.