Citing the enforcement of heavier penalties to combat severe cases under the unified guidelines.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has vowed to strengthen the enforcement of policies against school-based violence, including online harassment.
The agency warned that severe cases of cyberbullying will incur heavy disciplinary penalties under newly unified guidelines.
While incidents of physical bullying have declined compared to 2018, where there has been a 17-percentage-point drop in the number of students reporting experiences of being teased, hurt, or pushed, the recent Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025 revealed that cyberbullying remains a critical and escalating threat to students’ focus and well-being.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized, “Our learners have proven that they have the grit, curiosity, and drive to improve, as shown by our gains across all PISA domains. However, our children must also feel safe.”
He continued, “While we note that reports of physical bullying have decreased compared to 2018, PISA findings reinforce that cyberbullying is a serious challenge requiring a firm, direct response.“
Hence, the secretary said that the newly unified guidelines establish clear due process, but online cruelty will not be tolerated.
“Safe digital spaces are non-negotiable for basic education,” Angara added.
Under DepEd Order No. 6, series of 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), schools are empowered to address online activities even if they occur off-campus.
Provided that these activities pose a threat to the school environment, disrupt classes, or violate a student’s rights.
Severe cyberbullying—such as the dissemination of humiliating or explicit content and making threats against students or staff on social media—is classified as a high-level offense.
Thus, perpetrators will face formal investigation and disciplinary sanctions, including suspension, non-readmission, or permanent exclusion (transfer to an alternative education program), in addition to potential legal liability.
Concurrently, DepEd has also integrated digital citizenship, socio-emotional learning, and strengthened values education into the basic education curriculum, supported by various co-curricular initiatives.
Meanwhile, in observance of Safer Internet Day, DepEd partnered with Stairway Foundation Inc. (SFI) to conduct discussions on online risks and cyberbullying, involving approximately 4.9 million students.
Additionally, through the Kaagapay Program, parents and guardians are assisted in identifying internet-related threats and discussing them with their children.
Schools also encourage students to participate in sports and youth formation programs including sports clubs, student government, scouting, journalism, and the arts.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to protect schools from online threats, the Department of Education (DepEd) recently convened a high-level inter-agency meeting to establish a threat assessment and verification mechanism.
The said initiative bridges the gap between school safety protocols and law enforcement digital forensics.
It is being conducted collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),
The framework has also standardized eacg stage of the incident response process, from initial reporting and evidence preservation to technical verification, protection, and formal case closure.
Under the inter-agency protocol, cybercrime and law enforcement agencies will lead digital investigations, while schools retain the authority to implement immediate and appropriate safety measures and learning continuity plans.
This stricter approach also comes after the release of the PISA 2025 results, which highlighted the need for rigorous measures against all forms of school bullying.
Although the Philippines recorded its highest scores in Science, Mathematics, and Reading, data regarding student well-being underscores that school safety is essential for sustaining academic progress.
