Assessment of Safety Needs and Social Support Mechanisms of Students at TMCNHS: Basis for the Development of Guidelines for the Code of Conduct under The Department of Education Child Protection Policy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

A safe environment is recognized as an important factor in attaining the higher learning outcome or what we call as quality education. The importance of children's personal safety in the context of protection is deeply enshrined in the Philippines through its national laws and policy directions. This study was conducted to develop guidelines for the localization of the code of conduct through assessment of the safety needs and social support mechanisms of students.

METHODS

A descriptive-correlational design was employed in the presentation of the results. Single factor ANOVA was utilized to determine the difference between the respondents' perceptions of the extent of occurrence of violence in school and the perception on the extent of implementation of the different students' support mechanisms. The relationships between the respondents' perceptions and demographic profile was determined using Chi-square test of independence. Focused group discussion (FGD) and documentary analysis was also used to support the data gathered from the survey.

RESULTS

Results showed that the most common concerns of students on safety against violence in school were: bullying, corporal punishment, and verbal abuse. It was also revealed that there was a significant difference between the respondents' perceptions on the extent of occurrence of violence in school and the extent of the implementation of the students' support mechanism. It was disclosed in the FGD that the main concern was access to the student's support mechanisms. Students lacked awareness of programs in school against violence and that they should access these programs anytime with or without the threat of violence.

DISCUSSIONS

The results established the necessity to strengthen the implementation of the student's support mechanisms as a preventive measure against violence and as means of reporting occurrences of violence in school. A clear code of conduct anchored on the context of the school is also necessary to establish expected behavior among students, school personnel, and other stakeholders.