The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reaffirmed its support for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) anti-bullying campaign by continuing training and awareness activities for families of public school learners.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna said the agency is using the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program’s (4Ps) Family Development Sessions (FDS) to help prevent bullying and strengthen parents’ role in protecting children.
Fallarcuna said the sessions help improve the parenting skills and child-rearing capacity of 4Ps parent-beneficiaries, particularly in understanding the emotional and mental needs of their children.
The sessions also teach parents how to identify and prevent bullying by encouraging open communication within the family.
“FDS modules on anti-bullying center on identifying the root causes and various forms of bullying, while also guiding parents on effective coping strategies, early detection, and prevention measures,” Fallarcuna said.
Attendance in the monthly FDS is mandatory for all 4Ps beneficiaries.
The DSWD said the initiative forms part of its continuing effort to help create safer and more supportive learning environments for children.