THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is holding family development sessions and seminars on bullying for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries to boost the government’s campaign against bullying.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokeswoman Irene Dumlao said bullying is one of the main causes of learning disruption among children and teens and the agency is hoping to help address and prevent bullying, especially in public schools, through the 4Ps family development sessions (FDS).
Dumlao said the move aims to inform parents of the significance of having a nurturing family and school environment for children to prevent bullying.
She said this supports the Department of Education’s (DepEd) anti-bullying campaign by conducting capacity-building and learning activities through 4Ps beneficiaries.
“The FDS sessions help reinforce the rearing capacity of 4Ps parents to teach them to become more observant of the emotional well-being of their children and to cultivate open communication with their children,” she added.
Among the requirements for 4Ps beneficiaries is to attend regular FDS sessions organized by the DSWD.
Dumlao said the DSWD, through its Field Offices, is also conducting advocacy activities in public schools to raise the awareness of teachers and students on the different forms of bullying, the prevention mechanisms and encourage everyone to speak up against bullies.
One such orientation was led by the DSWD Field Office in Bicol, which was conducted in Sagñay, Camarines Sur last April 8 where the teachers and school officials were reminded that they have the duty not just to teach the children but also to protect and promote their welfare.
“Teachers and school staff were also reminded that they have a responsibility to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for students. The role of bystanders or those who witness bullying was valued and instead of remaining silent, they should intervene in a positive way to prevent violence and discrimination,” Dumlao said.
Data from DepEd showed that more than 79,000 cases of bullying, both physical and online, were recorded from 2019 to 2022.
