Technology and social media are rapidly changing. At the same time, the challenges facing young people are increasing, including stress in school, bullying, and the influence of violent content they see online. As a result, the role of education is becoming more important not only as a means of learning, but also as a fundamental pillar of students’ mental and emotional health. A good education and strong mental health support serve as the foundation to prevent violence and maintain a safe school environment.
Education is not only focused on academic success. It is also an important instrument in shaping character, strengthening emotional stability, and teaching how to treat others properly. Within school, students learn how to communicate, resolve conflicts properly, and respect each other’s differences. When these values are instilled properly, youth become better prepared to face life’s challenges without resorting to aggression or violence.
One of the biggest challenges today is the impact of inappropriate content on the internet and social media. Schoolchildren are exposed to videos or images that contain violence, which can affect their thinking and emotions. Without adequate guidance, some may misinterpret anger or resentment, and this may lead to unexpected actions. That is why education plays an important role in guiding students on how to be critical of what they see and learn online.
It is also undeniable that the mental health of students is a critical aspect of their development. Young students experience pressure from their academic, family, and social environments. If not given enough attention, it can lead to excessive stress, anxiety, or feelings of loneliness. This is where the importance of guidance counselors, teachers, and school programs that provide support and listening to students in need comes in.
Unfortunately, one of the challenges in the education system is the lack of sufficient mental health professionals in schools. Because of this, some students’ problems are not addressed immediately before they worsen. If this service could be strengthened, more young people could be helped at the right time, and problems that could lead to violence or wrong decisions could be prevented from escalating.
Parents, guardians, titos and titas, and communities also play an important role in shaping the mental and emotional well-being of young people. Education is not just the responsibility of the school; it is a joint effort of the home, teachers, and society. Through open communication and support, students feel safer and are better able to deal with problems.
Education and mental health should not be considered separate issues. The two are interconnected and essential to building a safe, healthy, and peaceful school. With the right support, guidance, and concern, the rise of violence can be prevented and young students can be strengthened as responsible individuals. The true purpose of education is not just knowledge, but the formation of young people who care about themselves and others.
ROLES OF SECTORS IN PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
Based on the Revised IRR or “Revised Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act No. 9344, as amended by R.A. 10630,” preventing juvenile delinquency in the country relies on a multi-sectoral approach. Unfortunately, there are unevenly implemented key provisions there. Blaming the revised rules, however, is misplaced for it governs juvenile justice response, not school security prevention systems.
“Rule 15. Family – As provided in Section 12 of the Act, the family shall be responsible for the primary nurturing and rearing of children, which are critical in delinquency prevention. As far as practicable, and in accordance with the procedures of the Act, as amended, a child in conflict with the law shall stay and be maintained with the child’s family.
“Rule 16. Educational System – By way of contributing to juvenile intervention and delinquency prevention, educational institutions shall, consistent with Section 13 of the Act: (1) Work together with families, community organizations and agencies in the prevention of juvenile delinquency, and in the rehabilitation and reintegration of children in conflict with the law. (2) Provide adequate, necessary and individualized educational schemes for children who are manifesting difficult behavior, children-at-risk and children in conflict with the law. (3) In cases where children in conflict with the law are taken into custody or placed in a “Bahay Pag-asa” and youth rehabilitation centers, provide the opportunity to continue their learning under an alternative learning system with basic literacy program or non-formal education accreditation equivalency system. All government and private educational institutions, which accept children as pupils or students, shall: (1) Establish a committee which shall handle cases involving CICL; (2) Develop primary and secondary intervention programs for CAR; (3) Participate in the implementation of tertiary intervention programs for CICL; and (4) Train school personnel with regard to juvenile and restorative justice. The DepEd and the CHED shall issue the appropriate guidelines for the proper implementation of this rule.
“Rule 17. Mass Media – The mass media shall play an active role in the promotion of child rights, and delinquency prevention by relaying consistent messages through a balanced approach. Media practitioners shall maintain the highest professional standards in reporting and covering cases of children in conflict with the law, consistent with the Guidelines for Media Practitioners on the Reporting and Coverage of Cases Involving Children, issued by the Committee for the Special Protection of Children. In all news and publicity materials concerning children, the best interest of the child and the child’s right to privacy and confidentiality should be the primordial, paramount and overriding consideration. Any undue, inappropriate and sensationalized publicity of any case involving a child in conflict with the law or a child-at-risk is hereby declared a violation of the child’s rights. Media practitioners shall not disclose any information that may reasonably identify the child or will lead to the identification of the child. The mass media shall also be encouraged to: (1) Portray the positive contribution of children to society; (2) Provide children with age-appropriate information and material for their development; and (3) Disseminate information on the existence and the procedures for availing of services, facilities and opportunities for children in society.”
We also have an uneven implementation on Local Councils for the Protection of Children under Rule 18. The safety of our schoolchildren and schools is affected by weapons control and security protocols, anti-bullying policies, mental health and guidance services. It. Is. Not. About. Juvenile. Justice. Law. Only.
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers for the families of those who lost their lives in the Tacloban school shooting incident. May they find strength and solace in the midst of this profound grief. We also want to extend our solidarity to the students who were injured and to all those who have experienced trauma due to the incident. (The DepEd chief even stressed a spike of in-campus violence in three separate cases in a week.) May they be immediately cared for and given proper support by those in charge, especially in their physical and mental health.
DC Alviar
Professor DC Alviar is a tenured associate professor at National University (NU) Manila and a steering committee member of the Philippine International Studies Organization (PHISO). He has contributed to NU's community extension initiatives that introduced the five disciplines of a learning organization (Senge, 1990) to communities within a local government unit. He writes and edits local reports for Mega Scene. He graduated with Master of Development Communication (MDC) and Doctor of Communication (DComm) degrees from the University of the Philippines (UP) Open University in Los Baños and was awarded with a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) SIKAP grant. He previously served as editor-in-chief of The Adamson News and his high school publication Ang Ugat.
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
