Bullying and Rising School Violence Calls for Stronger Government Action

Recent incidents involving bullying, student fights, and learners bringing knives and other dangerous objects to school have raised concerns among parents, teachers, and education officials across the Philippines. The national conversation intensified following the fatal shooting at a school in Tacloban City, which renewed concerns about campus safety and the government’s response to violence involving young people.

While schools already have policies against bullying and violence, the rise in these incidents has also raised an important question: Is the government doing enough to keep students safe?  When students feel unsafe, learning becomes difficult and academic performance can suffer. The growing attention on school violence in the Philippines highlights the need for stronger prevention, intervention, and community involvement.

School Violence Must Stop

School violence and bullying affect more than just the students directly involved. They can create fear, disrupt classes, and damage the overall learning environment. Parents also need confidence that schools are safe places for their children.

Major concerns include:

• Student safety is at risk.
• Bullying can have long-term psychological effects.
• Violence disrupts learning and classroom focus.
• Parents may lose confidence in school safety.
• Early intervention is often missed until incidents become serious.

Education advocates note that preventing violence early is usually more effective than responding after a crisis has already occurred.

Government Response Sparks Debate

The deadly Tacloban school shooting has prompted lawmakers to revisit how the government addresses crimes involving minors and violence in schools.

Following the tragedy, Senator Robinhood Padilla renewed his push to amend the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (Republic Act No. 9344). Padilla argued that recent violent incidents involving young people warrant a review of the law, including provisions on the minimum age of criminal responsibility, saying lawmakers should reassess whether current policies remain effective in addressing today’s challenges.

However, the proposal has generated mixed reactions. While some support revisiting the law as part of broader public safety reforms, others argue that changing the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act alone will not solve the growing problem of school violence. Many education advocates believe the government must also prioritize stronger anti-bullying enforcement, improved mental health services, better school security, and early intervention programs to address the root causes of violence.

Government Has a Responsibility to Keep Schools Safe

Keeping classrooms safe is not solely the responsibility of teachers and parents. Government agencies, particularly the Department of Education (DepEd), are responsible for ensuring that schools have effective policies to prevent bullying, respond to violent incidents, and protect students.

The Department of Health (DOH) also plays an important role by supporting school-based mental health programs, while Local Government Units (LGUs) can help schools through community programs, youth interventions, and initiatives that promote student welfare.

Experts say policies alone are not enough. Existing laws and guidelines must be consistently implemented, monitored, and evaluated to ensure they are effectively protecting students. As incidents continue to make headlines, many parents are calling for stronger government action to prevent violence before it happens.

Strengthening Anti-Bullying Programs

One of the most frequently proposed solutions is stronger implementation of anti-bullying policies. The Department of Education already has guidelines under the Anti-Bullying Act, but many believe enforcement needs to become faster and more consistent across schools.

The government can strengthen implementation by ensuring every school promptly investigates bullying complaints, protects victims, and provides appropriate intervention for students involved.

Suggested improvements include:

• Confidential reporting systems
• Faster school intervention after complaints
• Regular anti-bullying awareness campaigns
• Better protection and support for victims
• Regular monitoring of schools’ compliance with anti-bullying policies

Many violent incidents begin with unresolved bullying. Identifying and addressing these problems early may help prevent conflicts from escalating into physical violence.

Improving School Security Measures

Security measures are another important part of keeping campuses safe. However, experts say security should focus on prevention rather than simply responding after incidents occur.

The Department of Education and school administrators can review existing safety protocols and strengthen campus security while ensuring that students’ rights and welfare remain protected.

Possible measures include:

• Random inspections when necessary
• Improved campus monitoring
• Clear safety and emergency protocols
• Strong coordination with parents
• Regular assessment of school security procedures

Students should feel safe from the moment they enter the school gate until classes end.

Expanding Mental Health Support

Teachers and counselors often encounter students carrying emotional burdens that may not be immediately visible. Without proper support, these issues may develop into more serious behavioral concerns.

The Department of Education and the Department of Health can work together to expand access to school counselors and mental health services. Many public schools continue to have limited counseling resources, making early intervention more difficult.

Programs that could be expanded include:

• Hiring more school counselors
• Mental health awareness programs
• Peer support initiatives
• Early intervention systems for at-risk students
• Training teachers to identify students who may need help

Addressing emotional and psychological concerns early may help prevent conflicts before they become acts of violence.

Strengthening Parent-School Partnerships

Student behavior is influenced by both school and home environments. Stronger communication between families and schools can help identify concerns earlier and provide more consistent support for children.

Local Government Units and Parent-Teacher Associations can also strengthen community-based programs that encourage positive youth development and responsible parenting.

Possible initiatives include:

• Regular communication between teachers and parents
• Behavioral monitoring and follow-up
• Family support programs
• Greater involvement of PTAs and local communities
• Community-based programs promoting positive youth behavior

When parents, schools, and local governments work together, they are better equipped to prevent problems before they escalate.

ALSO READ: Are School Health Services Reaching All Filipino Students?

Promoting Respect and Accountability

Preventing violence is not only about punishment. Schools must also build cultures that encourage empathy, responsibility, and peaceful conflict resolution.

The Department of Education can further strengthen character education and values formation to help students develop healthy relationships and responsible decision-making.

Recommended approaches include:

• Character education
• Conflict-resolution training
• Positive discipline strategies
• Respectful and inclusive school environments
• Programs that promote empathy, accountability, and responsible behavior

Creating healthier school cultures may reduce bullying and aggressive behavior over time.

The Bigger Goal

The government’s role extends beyond responding after violent incidents occur. Long-term success depends on creating schools where students feel safe, respected, and supported before problems escalate.

This means investing in prevention, strengthening existing policies, expanding counseling services, improving school security, and ensuring schools have the resources they need to respond effectively. The objective is not simply to stop students from bringing dangerous objects to school, but to create learning environments where bullying, fear, and violence are far less likely to occur in the first place.

The rise in school violence in the country, highlighted by the tragic recent Tacloban school shooting, has underscored the need for decisive government action.