The Department of Education (DepEd) has reminded parents, students, and the public that spreading fake news, carrying out disruptive pranks, and making bomb threats in schools carry corresponding penalties under school policies.
The reminder comes amid incidents of false school threats that have caused fear and panic among students and parents, while also disrupting classes.
In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said school safety is everyone’s responsibility.
He stressed that fake news, pranks, and bomb threats are not harmless, as they disrupt learning and create unnecessary alarm.
Under the Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE) policy, students who commit such violations may be held accountable while ensuring fairness and due process.
DepEd said that under the ESMLE guidelines, spreading false information that causes confusion and panic within schools is classified as a first-level offense. Disruptive pranks committed on school premises or during school activities also fall under the same category.
A first offense carries a written reprimand and a written notice to the student’s parents. A second offense results in another written reprimand and the issuance of an official call slip requiring the parents to appear before school authorities.
A third offense may lead to suspension of up to five days, with alternative learning modalities provided during the suspension period.
Meanwhile, making bomb threats is classified as a third-level offense.
Under the policy, a first offense may result in non-readmission and referral to the appropriate government agencies, while a second offense may lead to expulsion from the school and referral to the proper authorities.
(PHOTO COURTESY: DepEd)
