QUEZON City, Philippines (September 14) – Before, kneeling on salt, stones, pebbles and what-have-you was the most used punishment for erring children.Nowadays, punishments are done by public humiliation, physical abuse, neglect, degradation, cruelty and other forms of abusive actions.
During his time as Education Secretary, Armin Luistro reminded DepEd personnel in particular and the public in general that corporal punishment and violence in any form, whether committed against grown-ups or children are prohibited in public schools. Luistro also said that if the school personnel committed such acts, they are violating the provisions of the Batas Pambansa 232 and they can be held criminally liable aside from being dismissed from service.
This is a great start but DepEd is gearing up for more. The department is planning a more comprehensive child protection policy which aims to safeguard children from abuse, discrimination and exploitation as well as bullying and other forms of violence in schools.
Accompanying such plans is the DepEd’s strong campaign against child abuse in schools.
The comprehensive policy is being developed in consulatation with teachers and other stake holders.
But it is not only the DepEd that is making moves to end abuse against children.
The Congress passed Republic Act 10627, more popularly known as the “Anti-Bullying Act of 2013” on September 13, 2013. The law also recognizes the relation between bullying and corporal punishment.
And now in the Duterte administration, the Congress is once again on the verge of abolishing corporal punishment for good.
The House Bill 4907 or the “Positive Discipline Act” promotes positive and non-violent forms of discipline for children instead of physical or corporal punishments. This bill will further ensure the freedom of children from abusive acts.
The bill also provides that suspected transgressor should undergo counseling and seminars on children’s rights, positive and non-violent discipline of children, anger management and other rehabilitative services.
The local and social welfare development office will assess if the accused will be penalized with arresto mayor or imprisonment from one month and one day to six months or arresto menor or one day to thirty days of imprisonment. This may help the children that had no power in protecting themselves.
There are more positive ways in disciplining children. Instead of just inflicting pain, it is much better to teach them what the right thing to do.
(written by Allyssa Ruiz, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin)
