The Department of Education launched the landmark “Policies and Guidelines on Protecting Children in School from Abuse, Violence, Exploitation, Discrimination, Bullying, and other forms of Abuse” Thursday at its central office, its press release said.

The guidelines aim to observe and promote zero tolerance on any act of child abuse in school that may be inflicted by adults, persons of authority, or fellow students, including bullying, Secretary Armin Luistro said.

It listed down the specific acts that constitute child abuse and violence that public and private schools can use as a guide in addressing this silent but very real social problem, the press release added.

The DepEd is tasked to develop the information, education and reporting system; exercise disciplinary action, and the recommendation to address and prevent all forms of child abuse.

The guidelines call for the establishment of a child protection committee in all public and private elementary and secondary schools, composed of school officials, teachers, parents, students, and a community representative. The committee shall draft the code of conduct and a plan to ensure child protection and safety, that shall be reviewed every three years, the press release added.

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