DepEd-NCR drafts policy to strengthen security in schools

Summary

The Department of Education in the National Capital Region (NCR) expressed concern over recent violent incidents in schools, including a stabbing at Kulyat High School and a bomb threat at New Era Elementary School. In response, the DepEd NCR is drafting a policy to enhance school security and mental health support. This includes random inspections and identifying students needing mental health assistance. The policy is expected to be implemented by February, following consultations. Additionally, a House measure aims to strengthen mental health services in schools through hiring mental health professionals.

Takeaways

• 😲 The Department of Education National Capital Region (DepEd NCR) is alarmed by a series of violent incidents involving students.
• 🗡️ One notable incident was the stabbing of a Grade 7 student by a classmate at Kulyat High School in Quezon City.
• 🚨 A bomb threat disrupted classes at New Era Elementary School, adding to the concerns.
• 🏫 DepEd NCR is drafting a policy to strengthen security measures in schools to protect students and promote mental health and child protection.
• 🔍 The policy may include random inspections of students and their belongings to prevent the use of items that could cause violence.
• 🧠 The draft policy also focuses on identifying students who may need mental health assistance.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Consultations with parents, guardians, and other stakeholders are planned before finalizing the policy.
• 📅 DepEd NCR aims to implement this policy across Metro Manila schools by February.
• 👩‍⚕️ Clinical psychologist Dr. Camille Garcia emphasized the need for mental health professionals in schools to support students' well-being.
• 🏛️ The House of Representatives has passed a proposed measure to strengthen mental health services in basic education by hiring and deploying mental health professionals.

Q & A

What has the Department of Education (DepEd) National Capital Region expressed concern about?

The Department of Education National Capital Region (DepEd NCR) expressed alarm over a series of violent incidents involving students that occurred in different schools.

What specific violent incident was mentioned in the script?

A specific incident mentioned was a Grade 7 student being stabbed by a classmate inside Kulyat High School in Quezon City.

What other disruptive event occurred recently in a school?

A bomb threat disrupted classes at New Era Elementary School.

What is DepEd NCR currently doing in response to these incidents?

DepEd NCR is drafting a policy to strengthen security measures in schools and protect students' mental health, as well as enhancing their child protection policy.

What are some key features of the draft policy mentioned in the script?

The draft policy includes random inspections in schools and checking students' belongings to prevent violence, as well as identifying students who may need mental health assistance.

Will the draft policy be implemented immediately?

No, the draft policy will undergo consultation with parents, guardians, and stakeholders before being finalized and implemented.

When is DepEd NCR aiming to implement the draft policy in schools?

DepEd NCR is targeting to implement the policy in all schools in Metro Manila by February.

What does Dr. Camille Garcia, a clinical psychologist, suggest regarding mental health support in schools?

Dr. Camille Garcia suggests providing mental health professionals in schools to guide students' mental health and well-being.

What legislative action was taken regarding mental health services in education?

On January 24, the House of Representatives passed a proposed measure on second reading to strengthen the promotion and delivery of mental health services in basic education through the hiring and deployment of mental health professionals.

What is the overall goal of DepEd NCR's actions and the legislative measure?

The overall goal is to enhance security in schools and ensure students’ mental health and well-being are protected through comprehensive policies and professional support.