ABSTRACT
Bullying and victimization are widespread phenomena that can have a serious effect on the well-being of an individual, especially growing children. With this, a study was conducted to determine the level of awareness of anti-bullying policies and learner’s well-being in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon during the School Year 2023-2024. Specifically, it sought to: 1) find the respondent’s level of awareness of anti-bullying policies in terms of prohibitions of bullying acts, disciplinary administrative actions, clear procedures and strategies, reports of bullying or retaliation, awareness of false accusation, and dynamics of bullying; 2) find the level of learner’s well-being as regards social, emotional, and physical; and 3) determine the significant relationship between the learners' awareness on anti-bullying policies and their well-being. The respondents were the one hundred fifty-two (152) respondents among the learners mentioned herewith. Further, a stratified random sampling procedure was used to get the percentage and appropriate number of respondents in every school. A researcher-made questionnaire was used in gathering the data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage mean, standard deviation, and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) to determine the significant relationship between learners' awareness of anti-bullying policies and their well-being.
The findings showed that learners are most aware of reports of bullying or retaliation and have the highest level of social and physical well-being. Moreover, there is a significant relationship between awareness of anti-bullying and the well-being of the learners. It is recommended that DepEd take-action to let the learners know the anti-bullying policies, especially on prohibition acts. Teachers and parents must also guide their children who have the lowest level of emotional well-being.
Keywords: Awareness of anti-bullying policies, Learner’s well-being
INTRODUCTION
Promoting a nurturing and safe learning environment is really important. One critical aspect that significantly impacts learner’s overall well-being is the presence and awareness of anti-bullying policies. Bullying can have effects on a child's emotional, social, and academic development, making it essential to understand the role of anti-bullying measures in safeguarding learners' mental and physical health. Alongside, the researcher observed that the implementation of the said policy is not being adopted in most of the schools in Manolo Fortich III, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Children are most likely doing things as if they never have an awareness of bullying. On this note, they are just joking, not knowing that they are engaging in bullying. There are instances that bullying happens in the classroom or in the corner of the school, but it is being ignored since there is no awareness of the policies pertaining to the said problem.
Bullying and victimization are widespread phenomena that can have a serious effect on the well-being of an individual, most especially the growing children. Usually, these victims are bullies themselves. The observable effect of bullying has caused the students to manifest low self-esteem, which leads to social isolation, Celeste et al. (2019). Schools play a crucial role in fostering safe and inclusive environments for students, and implementing effective anti-bullying policies is an essential step in addressing this problem. However, despite the recognition of the importance of such policies, challenges persist in creating awareness and successfully implementing them in schools. According to a study by Hall (2018), bullying is a pervasive and persistent threat to the well-being and school success of students. Bullying has been conceptualized in a number of ways, with definitions varying slightly between countries' stakeholders.
Republic Act No. 10627 is an act requiring all elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies to prevent and address the acts of bullying in their institutions. For purposes of this Act, bullying shall refer to any severe or repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another student that has the effect of actually causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his property; creating a hostile environment at school for the other student; infringing on the rights of the other student at school; or materially and substantially disrupting the education process or the orderly operation of a school ( Pinera et al. 2022).
When learners are aware of the policies and guidelines established under Section 3 of RA 10627, they are equipped with valuable information about their rights and the responsibilities of educational institutions in ensuring a safe and inclusive environment. This awareness can instill a sense of empowerment among learners as learners become aware of the steps to protect themselves and their peers from bullying incidents. Moreover, familiarity with the policies can lead to improved reporting mechanisms and intervention strategies, as learners are more likely to recognize and report instances of bullying, allowing for timely and appropriate action to be taken. Learners can also experience a greater sense of security and psychological well-being. This awareness can contribute to reduce fear and anxiety associated with bullying, allowing learners to focus on their academic pursuits and personal.
The researcher believed that this research study can contribute to awareness that affects children's well-being. Addressing the issue of bullying requires a holistic approach that includes the development and implementation of effective anti-bullying policies in schools. While challenges exist in increasing school awareness and successfully implementing these policies, by focusing on comprehensive education, providing necessary resources, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, schools can create safer and more inclusive environments for all students. It is imperative for schools to prioritize these efforts, as they play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation and fostering a society free from bullying. During this observation, the researcher conducted a study on awareness of anti-bullying policies and learners' well-being in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
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