The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) is pushing for a teacher protection policy to complement the existing child protection policy and provide clearer guidelines on the role of teachers in disciplining students, according to TDC spokesperson Jim Lester Beleno.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH Stories: Pinoy Documentaries, Beleno said teachers need clearer boundaries on what forms of discipline are allowed under existing child protection rules, particularly as educators face growing challenges in maintaining order and ensuring student safety.
He said the proposed policy would clarify the extent of teachers’ authority in disciplining students while ensuring that disciplinary measures remain consistent with child protection standards.
Beleno stressed that the causes of violence and behavioral problems among students are complex and cannot be attributed to teachers alone.
He criticized statements that appear to place responsibility on a single factor, noting that several institutions and influences shape a child’s behavior.
“Masalimuot kasi maraming factors na nagko-contribute dito,” Beleno said.
According to Beleno, a child is influenced not only by teachers but also by the family, community, friends, society, the state and the digital world. He also identified mental health as another factor that must be considered, saying untreated concerns may affect a young person’s behavior and way of thinking.
“Unang-una, nandyan po yung pamilya. Pangalawa, yung komunidad. Pangatlo, yung mga kaibigan niya at siyempre yung lipunan at yung estado din na nakikita niya at pati natin binabanggit yung digital world natin,” he said.
Beleno added that the online environment also plays a significant role in shaping young people, particularly through the content they watch and access on digital platforms.
He likewise emphasized the importance of addressing mental health concerns, noting that failure to properly treat or process such issues could influence a student’s actions and decision-making.
Amid the series of incidents reported in schools, Beleno said teachers themselves are also experiencing fear and anxiety. He said teacher organizations have been conducting orientations and debriefings to help educators cope with the situation and remain prepared.
“'Yung mga guro, siyempre tao din tayo, nandun din yung pangamba,” Beleno said.
He said teacher groups have also been participating in discussions with lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Representatives to push for measures that would provide greater protection and clarity for educators.
Beleno explained that the proposed teacher protection policy is intended to serve as a counterpart to the child protection policy, particularly in defining the appropriate disciplinary interventions that teachers may undertake.
“Sa child protection policy, yung tinatawag naman namin teacher protection policy para magkaroon ng kalinawan kung saan pwedeng pumasok talaga yung mga guro sa pagdidisiplina ng mga bata,” he said.
He argued that teachers have become increasingly cautious about disciplining students because certain actions or remarks may potentially be interpreted as violations of child protection rules.
Beleno said the policy should establish clear guidelines that distinguish legitimate disciplinary measures from acts that constitute abuse.
He also stressed that responsibility for disciplining and guiding children should not rest solely on teachers, particularly in public schools.
“Dapat katuwang po dyan yung mga magulang,” Beleno said, emphasizing that parents and other stakeholders must work alongside educators.
The TDC spokesperson called for a collective approach involving teachers, parents, communities and other stakeholders, saying the challenges facing schools require shared responsibility rather than placing the burden entirely on educators.
The proposed teacher protection policy comes amid heightened concerns over school safety and the increasing number of incidents affecting students and teachers, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) previously reporting dozens of school-related incidents since June.
