A new study conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd) showed an alarming increase in the number of male students being sexually molested in schools.
Based on a study conducted in 14 pilot schools, the DepEd disclosed at least 65 students, 20 of whom are male students, have already filed complaints after being sexually abused.
“We often think when it comes to sexual exploitations against children the victims are females. But the study revealed an alarming increase in cases which involved male students,” a teacher from Metro Manila said in an interview.
The teacher, who refused to be named, said there are more cases that have not been reported because parties involved chose to resolve the matter through mediation.
Data also show among those who committed the sexual advances against the male students were teachers, scout masters and coaches. It also showed that the incident often took place during camping, training and retreats.
The program was conducted in partnership with the Center for the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CPSAE), the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine National Police.
The CPSAE said it has been following several cases of sexual abuse, including the case of a diplomat allegedly caught molesting children in a parking lot in one of Mega Manila’s popular malls.
In line with this, the DepEd said it will start training elementary and high school teachers on handling Personal Safety Lessons (PSL) to make public schools and even homes safer for school aged kids.
The PSL program was specifically designed to address the issue of sexual abuse involving not only female students but male as well. Under the PSL program, children will be taught to identify forms of molestation such as “unwanted touching” by adults or by other children, how to avoid them, and what to do when they find themselves in such situation.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said the PSL program will be integrated not as new curriculum but as part of the lessons in social studies, values and character education.
He added the DepEd plans to integrate the PSL program in first three years in the basic curriculum of elementary and secondary level and will be taught in all public schools across the country. –Jason Faustino, Daily Tribune
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