Culture & Entertainment · Philippines Bureau
DepEd launches peer support program to boost student mental health
The Department of Education has introduced a structured peer mentoring initiative aimed at creating supportive networks within schools. The program seeks to provide students with safe environments to offer mutual assistance and emotional support.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Department of Education unveiled its 'My Buddy System' program on Friday, establishing formal peer support networks designed to strengthen students' mental health and emotional well-being. The initiative organizes students into structured buddy pairings or small peer groups, creating designated safe spaces where young learners can seek and provide support to one another.
According to DepEd officials, the program responds to growing concerns about student mental health by leveraging peer-to-peer connections as a protective factor within school environments. By formalizing buddy relationships, the department aims to ensure no student faces challenges in isolation while building a culture of mutual care and understanding across campuses.
The structured approach involves careful organization of peer groups to maximize compatibility and effectiveness. School administrators are expected to implement the system across their institutions, training selected student leaders to facilitate meaningful connections and monitor the well-being of their peers.
The launch marks a significant step in the education department's broader mental health advocacy, complementing existing counseling services and psychological support systems already available in schools. Officials emphasized that peer support networks serve as an important supplement to professional intervention, fostering student agency in maintaining community welfare.