Students who spread fake news, pull disruptive pranks or make bomb threats in schools could face suspension, exclusion from school, or even criminal charges, the Department of Education (DepEd) warned on Friday amid a series of incidents that have disrupted classes and triggered emergency responses.

Bagong Silangan High School in Quezon City on Thursday suspended classes following bomb threat reports. A separate online threat of a school shooting, sent by an unidentified individual through a DepEd Facebook page on Monday, also prompted Batangas City Integrated High School to suspend classes.

"School safety is everyone's responsibility. Fake news, dangerous pranks, and bomb threats are never harmless—they disrupt learning and put others at risk. Through the ESMLE policy, we are holding learners accountable while ensuring fairness and due process," said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

DepEd said the sanctions are provided under DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), which sets a graduated system of penalties for learner misconduct.

Under the policy, spreading fake news or false information that creates confusion or commotion in school, as well as disruptive pranks committed in classrooms, on school grounds or during school-sanctioned activities, are classified as first-level offenses.

A first offense carries a written reprimand and written notice to parents. A second offense merits another written reprimand and a formal summons for parents, while a third offense is punishable by suspension of up to five school days, with alternative learning modalities provided during the suspension.

Bomb threats and bomb jokes, however, are classified as third-level offenses—the highest category under the guidelines—because they trigger emergency response protocols, disrupt classes, create panic and may expose offenders to criminal liability under existing laws.

Students found liable for a first third-level offense may be denied readmission for the following school year and referred to appropriate government agencies for intervention. 

A second offense may result in exclusion from school, referral to law enforcement authorities and the provision of appropriate interventions.

The department urged learners to verify information before posting or sharing it online and to avoid participating in pranks or other acts that could compromise school safety.

It also appealed to parents, teachers and school officials to help promote responsible behavior and maintain schools as safe learning environments.