A Review of the Anti-Bullying Act

Introduction Bullying is a common scenario among group of people. Furthermore, it is a common phenomenon in a school setting wherein individual differences among students exist. It has been for a time an issue which does not gain much concern. Later on, studies found out that the action have tremendous effect on both the bully and the victim, thus, making it a serious problem in the society. On his explanatory note for S. No. 2943, Sen. Antonio F. Trillanes IV cited that bullying, intimidation and harassment if unchecked can have dangerous consequences. The U.S Department of Health recognizes bullying and harassment as major health problem which are both widespread and potentially a serious threat to the health and well-being of children and youth. The school is an institution that will provide the students a conducive environment and healthy atmosphere. The presence of bullies affects this environment which in turned will affect the welfare of the learner/s It is the main function of the government to protect the welfare of its people especially children. Accordingly, there have been many laws for the protection of children but is not enough to address bullying. In line with this, recent years shown that the issue of bullying gains much interest which where acted upon by legislators that lead to the creation of R.A 10627. With these, R.A 10627 which is known as the “Anti-bullying Act of 2013” last September 12, 2013 is very important in the basic education community. The law defined bullying as ‘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