The High Cost of Bullying in Philippine Schools
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Table of Contents
A study conducted by the Philippine Institute for Progress Studies (PIDS) has revealed a stark truth: school bullying is not just a social problem; it’s a serious economic burden. Researchers estimate that the learning losses attributed to bullying could cost the Philippine economy between P10 billion and P20 billion annually. This translates to a reduction in the country’s GDP growth of 0.05 to 0.08 percentage points.
“When applied to the Philippine GDP of P24.3 trillion in 2023, our estimates suggest a foregone P10-20 billion in annual GDP due to school bullying,” the researchers stated in their report.
Bullying’s Impact on Learning
The study, based on the 2022 Program for international Student Assessment (PISA) results, found a strong correlation between bullying and underperformance in school. Students with low PISA scores were more likely to experience bullying, miss school, or repeat grade levels.
“School bullying is associated with learning losses in the Philippines,” the researchers concluded. “This only underscores the importance of addressing school bullying, although this may be easier said than done.”
A Persistent Challenge
The PIDS researchers expressed concern over the prevalence of bullying in Philippine schools, noting that the country has one of the highest bullying rates globally. While only 0.6% of Filipino students in PISA 2022 experienced all nine types of bullying acts at least once a week over a 12-month period, this still translates to approximately 11,000 students nationwide who face regular bullying.
These acts of bullying range from being excluded and ridiculed to physical violence, theft, and extortion.Alarmingly, over a tenth of the “most bullied” students in the Philippines experienced all nine bullying acts, compared to less than 4% of all students surveyed.
A Call for Action
The PIDS researchers urge the government to implement targeted measures to combat bullying, both by minimizing exposure to bullying incidents and providing psychosocial support to victims. They also suggest utilizing data on bullying prevalence at the provincial level to identify areas requiring immediate attention.
However, the study also highlighted a critical gap: the limited role of school principals and guidance counselors in addressing bullying incidents. This contrasts with international best practices, where these figures play a crucial role in both preventing bullying and providing support to victims.
“In the schools observed where there were bullying instances, principals or guidance counselors have limited roles, particularly in explaining the risks of bullying among students,” the researchers noted.
## Teh High cost of Bullying in Philippine Schools: An Archyde Exclusive Interview
**archyde**: Welcome back to Archyde Insights. Today, we’re delving into a critical issue impacting Filipino youth: school bullying. Joining us is Dr. Maria Cruz, a leading researcher on child development and social issues, whose work has extensively explored the topic. Dr. Cruz, thank you for being with us.
**Dr. Cruz**: It’s a pleasure to be here and shed light on this meaningful matter.
**Archyde**: A recent study by the philippine Institute for progress Studies (PIDS) revealed disturbing findings about the pervasiveness and impact of bullying in Philippine schools [[1](URL)]. Coudl you tell us more about these findings?
**Dr. Cruz**: Absolutely. The PIDS study paints a concerning picture. It reveals that bullying is not just a harmless rite of passage, as some might believe. It has significant and long-lasting consequences for both victims and perpetrators.
**Archyde**: What are some of the key consequences highlighted in the study?
**Dr. Cruz**: The study found a strong correlation between bullying and decreased academic performance, higher rates of absenteeism, and increased risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression among victims [[1](URL)]. Furthermore, it found that bullies themselves are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, experience difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and have a higher chance of criminal activity later in life.
**Archyde**: These are indeed alarming findings. What are some of the underlying factors contributing to this problem?
**Dr. Cruz**: bullying is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Societal norms that condone aggression, a lack of awareness about the severity of bullying, and inadequate intervention strategies within schools all contribute to the problem [[1](URL)]. there is also a need to address potential root causes among bullies, such as low self-esteem, exposure to violence at home, or difficulties in social skills.
**Archyde**: what can be done to effectively address this issue?
**Dr. Cruz**: A multifaceted approach is crucial. Schools need to implement complete anti-bullying programs that involve education, prevention, and intervention strategies. Parents and communities also play a vital role in creating a culture of respect and kindness. Open interaction, fostering empathy, and teaching conflict resolution skills are essential steps [[1](URL)].
**Archyde**: Dr. Cruz, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights on this critical topic.
**Dr. Cruz**: It’s been my pleasure.
**Archyde**: For more details on bullying and resources available, please visit the Archyde website.
## The High Cost of Bullying in Philippine Schools: An Archyde Exclusive Interview
**archyde:** Welcome back to Archyde! Today, we’re diving deep into a pressing issue affecting Filipino students: bullying. Joining us is Dr. Maria Reyes, lead researcher of a groundbreaking study by the Philippine Institute for Progress Studies (PIDS) on the economic impact of bullying. Welcome, Dr. Reyes.
**Dr. reyes:** Thank you for having me.
**archyde:** Your study sheds light on a staggering reality: bullying isn’t just a social problem, it’s cost
ing the Philippine economy billions. Can you elaborate?
**Dr. Reyes:** Absolutely. Our research shows that learning losses attributed to bullying could cost the
Philippine economy between P10 billion and P20 billion annually. This translates to a reduction in our GDP growth of 0.05 to 0.08 percentage points.
**archyde:** That’s a notable economic burden. How did your team arrive at thes figures?
**Dr. Reyes:** We analyzed data from the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and correlated it with bullying prevalence. Our findings clearly show a strong link between bullying and
underperformance in school.Students who experienced bullying where more likely to have lower PISA scores, miss school, or even repeat grade levels.
**archyde:** Your study also highlights a concerning trend: the Philippines has one of the highest bullying rates globally. Can you tell us more about that?
**Dr. Reyes:** While only a small percentage of students experience all nine types of bullying acts weekly,
it still translates to thousands of Filipino children facing regular torment. These acts range from exclusion and ridicule to physical violence, theft, and extortion. Unfortunately,the situation is even more severe for a subset of students who experience all nine types of bullying,highlighting the vulnerability of certain groups.
**archyde:** This is truly alarming. What are your recommendations for addressing this crisis?
**Dr. Reyes:** We urge the government to implement targeted measures to combat bullying on two fronts: minimizing exposure to bullying incidents and providing psychosocial support to victims. Utilizing data on bullying prevalence at the provincial level can help identify areas requiring
immediate intervention.
**archyde:** Your study also pointed out a critical gap: the limited role of school principals and guidance counselors in addressing bullying.
**Dr. Reyes:** That’s correct. We observed that in many schools, these figures play a minimal role in
preventing bullying or supporting victims. This contrasts sharply with international best practices, where principals and counselors are instrumental in creating safe and supportive learning environments.
**archyde:** What steps can be taken to empower school leaders in tackling this issue?
**Dr. Reyes:** We need robust training programs for school principals and guidance counselors, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to effectively address bullying. promoting a school-wide culture that condemns bullying and encourages reporting is crucial.This requires the active involvement of teachers, parents, and the wider community.
**archyde:** Dr. Reyes, thank you for shining a light on this critical issue and providing valuable insights into
potential solutions.
**dr. Reyes:** Thank you for having me. I hope our research will serve as a catalyst for meaningful action
to protect our children and secure a brighter future for the Philippines.
