DepEd tells employees to avoid contact with students outside school settings

The Department of Education (DepEd) has released an order reminding its employees to refrain from contacting students on social media or in any other location beyond school settings.

The directive, which was signed by Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte, said that students should “avoid relationships, interaction, and communication, including following social media with learners outside of the school setting, except if they are relatives.”

The directive is among the provisions of DepEd Order 49, released on Friday, November 4, amending a previous order on the promotion of professionalism in the delivery of basic education programs and services.

In response to claims of sexual harassment against instructors in a number of schools, DepEd recently established a hotline where students can directly report instances of abuse.

Duterte argued that there should be a clear boundary between teachers and students in order to avoid problems. She added that a teacher and student having a personal relationship could lead to bias towards the learner.

“Of course, relationships, may problema ‘yan. Isa rin ito sa nakita naming recent incidents ng teachers na lumalabas with their students and they’re involved in should we say not really criminal activities but they’re involved in crime,” she said, citing an instance where a teacher was stabbed by his student during a drinking session.

The DepEd Secretary also cautioned staff members not to disparage the organization or their coworkers online and to keep the agency’s reputation in mind.

She said that appropriate routes should be used to raise complaints and concerns.

Failure to adhere to the aforementioned actions will result in the Office of the Secretary explicitly rejecting any request or appeal.

Additionally, it was emphasized to staff members not to ask politicians for money for their causes or endeavors.

Netizens were divided on the issue, with some insisting that teachers have a responsibility towards learners far beyond the classroom’s walls, while others agree with the DepEd directive, saying that teachers should never overstep their boundaries and remain professional in their dealings with students.