A PSYCHOLOGIST urges schools and institutions to have in-school policies and measures to address bullying and mental health problems.
De Mar P. Bangeles, a registered psychologist and psychometrician, said in an exclusive interview with SunStar Davao that crafting concrete anti-bullying programs is a must for academic institutions.
Bangeles added that the student affairs office, prefect of discipline, and guidance and counseling offices must intervene in this kind of issue. This is also to reinforce student-friendliness in school and academic institutions to the entire community.
“Schools have a duty to take care of their learners and a responsibility to prevent bullying. They should have an in place policy that details measures on what to do during these incidents,” Bangeles said.
He said that schools can deal with bullying within the institution by monitoring, fostering kindness and empathy, and peer mentoring.
He added that schools should also encourage students to report bullying to school authorities and initiate specific activities targeted at addressing such issues.
“We think someone is bullied because they are different, clever, or popular. But it should not be the student’s fault that they are the way they are. It is always easy to put the magnifying glass to the bullied, where in fact, the issue lies really on why bullies bully,” he said.
“Students who bully sometimes have problems and are unhappy. They have deep-seated issues stemming from various aspects of their lives and they try to take control by harming others because by then, they would feel powerful or in control,” he added.
He also urged students to ensure safety first before reporting to the right authorities. Standing up against bullies is to lean on social support and the buddy system, especially in these situations. ICE