DepEd tightens cyberbullying crackdown with stricter disciplinary measures

MANILA — The Department of Education has ordered a comprehensive tightening of enforcement against cyberbullying in schools, establishing stricter disciplinary measures for students engaged in online harassment. Education Secretary Sonny Angara has directed DepEd officials to implement consolidated guidelines that clearly define penalties for severe acts of cyberbullying across the country's educational institutions.

The intensified policy comes as the education department reinforces its commitment to addressing school violence through multiple fronts. Under the newly consolidated framework, schools are expected to apply consistent and graduated penalties depending on the severity of cyberbullying incidents, with provisions for the most egregious cases to face strict disciplinary action.

The timing of the directive coincides with the release of the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) 2025 results, which evaluates student performance and school environments across participating nations. The DepEd's renewed focus on cyberbullying reflects growing concerns about the impact of online harassment on student well-being and academic performance.

Schools have been instructed to ensure that the consolidated guidelines are communicated clearly to students, parents, and faculty members. The department has also emphasized the importance of preventive measures and support systems for victims of cyberbullying, positioning the crackdown as part of a holistic approach to creating safer school environments.