Bullying is a serious problem that occurs in any places and it is visibly scene at school. Children are the center of learning; however they become victims of bullying. The government had created some policies and laws protecting the children. We have the Child Protection Policy and the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 which are implemented to penalize people who would hurt them physically and emotionally like degrading and humiliating them that may cause them to quit studying.
The law defines bullying as any severe or repeated harmful act, whether written, verbal, an electronic expression, or a physical act, that has the effect of actually placing the student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or causing damage to property, creating a hostile environment at school.
Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara pushed the enactment of Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 by filing Senate Bill No. 2793 to include school personnel like teachers, principals, security, maintenance, and administrative officials. With this, laws protecting minors or youth are numerous that sometimes they become irresponsible due to the policy protecting them. As a result, students become heedless and disrespectful to the authority especially to the teacher. There is an incident that student utters foul language on the teacher, even the utility personnel have experienced disrespectful acts on the learners. The effect, they are not afraid to do those things because they know the law. Some teenagers are the cause of riot on the street. They are also involved in using illegal drugs and gambling. Some are also showing no mercy in pick pocketing activity and stealing properties of the travellers. Some even commit a crime like killing people and rape. Because of these things, fear among the youth has no evidence.
Teachers nowadays are afraid of disciplining the learners due to the existing laws guarding the youth. Teachers are now wondering why there is no protection policy for them. When does government will make a bill that will prevent students from disrespecting them? Isn’t it unfair to us? With several protests took along the way of different administrations of our country, there is no sign of proposing law that will defend teachers from students that will hurt them. They are saying that leaners should be dealt fairly in school, but what about us teachers? Is it okay for them to treat us unbecomingly by our students and parents?
On the article published on the 7th day of June 2015 by Leila B. Salaverria of Philippine Daily Inquirer, written “It’s not only bullies in class that students have to watch out for nowadays, but also abusive teachers whose cruelty could drive a child to take his own life”. It was so disappointing that teachers should be watched because they think we are abusive and cruel. If we are abusive, why do many students like us 9(teachers) instead of their parents? If we are cruel, why these kids remember us whenever special moments in their lives celebrate? Isn’t it ironic that those who are doing their utmost effort to contribute in molding the minds of the youth and helping to build our nation and paying taxes religiously are put into danger? They are being judgmental and assuming.
We hope that the government must pay attention on creating policy that will safeguard teachers from bullying and unjustness, because we are the modern heroes. We inspire learners and we make learning possible even if the support of the government is not enough. We are flexible. We teach multi-grade levels. We make learners who they are today. And above all we contribute on the national development by conveying the mission and vision of our country.
By: Limuel L. Caña | T-I | Mariveles National HIghschool
