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Philippines: cyberbullying law for schools
Bottom line for counselors: Schools must have anti-bullying rules, and those rules cover online bullying. There is no takedown regulator, so report harmful posts to the platform. Some online abuse can be a crime under general laws.
Last verified: checked against official sources on 11 November 2026.
Country
Philippines
The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 covers cyberbullying, with tougher rules since 2025 and no phones in class from 2026.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10627) requires every elementary and secondary school to adopt an anti-bullying policy.
Legal detail and sources
Revised implementing rules signed in August 2025 require all public and private basic education schools to adopt a standard policy, post it and include it in handbooks. DepEd keeps a central record of cases. Source note: this answer draws on news reporting (Manila Bulletin) as well as official sources.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The Act's definition of bullying includes cyberbullying through any technology or electronic means.
Legal detail and sources
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
No. There is no regulator that orders bullying posts taken down. Report them to the platform, and to the police for online crimes.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No legal minimum age for social media.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Yes. DepEd Order No. 6, s. 2026 bans learners' and staff use of phones and gadgets during class hours, except for learning, emergencies or medical needs.
Legal detail and sources
DepEd has said it is studying whether to extend the ban to break times. Source note: this answer draws on news reporting (Philippine Star), not an official legal text. Check the official text before relying on it.
- Partly:
When is online abuse a crime?
Partly. Bullying itself is handled by schools, but cyber libel, online threats and gender-based online harassment are crimes. Children 15 and under are exempt from criminal liability.
Legal detail and sources
Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175), Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) and Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344).
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. The rules require schools to train staff and set up referral systems, and each school should have a learner formation officer.
Legal detail and sources
Source note: this answer draws on news reporting (Manila Bulletin), not an official legal text. Check the official text before relying on it.
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