“This is a wake-up call for all of us in DepEd to be aware of the problem and take positive steps to address it,” Angara said.
He said the Department of Education (DepEd) was reviewing its policies to encourage teachers and school personnel to spend more time interacting directly with learners and checking on their well-being, alongside stronger security measures in schools.
“We acknowledge the academic gains made by our teachers, but in terms of addressing the emotional problems of our children, we still have crucial work to do,” Angara said.
Angara said DepEd’s academic gains, including the country’s improved performance in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment, should be accompanied by greater attention to the school environment and learners’ emotional well-being.
“Bagama’t gumanda ang ating performance sa academics at ang ating worldwide standing sa international rankings, let’s take a step back and examine how we are relating and what kind of school communities we are building,” he said.
“Dahil iba na po ang pag-iisip ng ating kabataan ngayon. Kilalanin natin iyan at gumawa tayo ng paraan, sama-sama po tayo sa DepEd,” he added.
The education chief said existing cellphone restrictions in schools would not by themselves address the risks posed by harmful online content. He urged parents and guardians to take a more active role in supervising their children’s smartphone and social media use at home.
DepEd is also expanding its Kaagapay Program nationwide to give parents training on identifying warning signs, addressing behavioral concerns and coordinating with school Child Protection Committees and guidance personnel.
Angara said teachers also have a role in providing support to students who may feel isolated or seek validation online.
“For those who are very susceptible to influence from whatever they see online, and those who are looking for validation from their families but perhaps do not receive it, let us give them that as their foster parents at school,” he said.
“Ibigay natin ang pagmamahal at atensyon. Kapag may tagumpay sila, kilalanin at i-acknowledge natin,” he added.
He urged teachers to take simple steps such as learning students’ names, understanding their daily struggles and regularly checking on their welfare.
“We can overcome this. But we must acknowledge that there is a mental health epidemic among our youth today and we must look to the roots of this and understand it,” Angara said.
“Otherwise, I hesitate to say, more people might get hurt. So kilalanin natin iyan at gumawa tayo ng paraan. Sama-sama po tayo sa DepEd,” he added.
DepEd earlier said its immediate priority following the Banga shooting was the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and school personnel. The department also said it was coordinating with local authorities and law enforcement and was prepared to provide psychological first aid and mental health and psychosocial support to those affected. ###
