SENATOR Bam Aquino is pushing for a comprehensive school safety system that would impose a zero-tolerance policy against bullying and require schools to promptly report and address incidents that threaten the safety and well-being of learners and school personnel.

Under Senate Bill No. 2390, or the proposed Comprehensive School Safety Act, schools would be required to establish accessible reporting channels and immediately assess and respond to bullying, violence, abuse, harassment, emergencies, digital threats, unsafe conditions, and other emerging risks.

Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, said schools need stronger systems to prevent harm, prepare for emergencies, and provide support to those affected by safety incidents.

“Schools face a range of threats to the safety and well-being of learners and school personnel, including bullying, violence, abuse, harassment, emergencies, digital risks, unsafe conditions, and other emerging risks,” Aquino said.

“We need systems that prevent harm, prepare schools to respond when risks arise, and provide the support necessary for recovery when incidents occur. The need for a stronger and more comprehensive approach has become increasingly clear,” he added.

The proposed measure would direct the Department of Education, in coordination with concerned government agencies and stakeholders, to establish a National Comprehensive School Safety Framework.

The framework would set national standards covering school security, anti-bullying measures, digital safety, mental health, emergency preparedness, and incident reporting.

Each school would also be required to prepare and update a School Safety Plan annually, covering emergency protocols, hotlines, safety infrastructure, digital safety, off-campus activities, community engagement, and safety monitoring.

Aquino’s bill further calls for schools to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against violence, abuse, bullying, discrimination, harassment, and other harmful acts while fostering a safe, inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment.

The proposed Comprehensive School Safety Policy would require schools to prevent, identify, report, and promptly address bullying, cyberbullying, violence, abuse, discrimination, harassment, and other threats to learner safety and well-being.

Depending on their risk profile, schools may also be equipped with appropriate safety infrastructure and security equipment, including CCTV cameras, screening equipment and metal detectors, visitor management systems, security personnel, perimeter security, and emergency alert systems.

The bill would likewise require regular safety assessments, security monitoring, emergency drills, safety orientations, and an annual School Safety Audit.

It would also strengthen safety protocols for off-campus activities and digital threats, including cyberbullying, while promoting learner well-being through psychosocial support, peer programs, and early intervention.

Aquino said the proposed reforms are also intended to protect teachers and reassure parents that schools are taking concrete steps to safeguard children.

“We owe this to our teachers, who deserve a safe place to teach. And we owe it to every parent and guardian, to assure them that their government is doing everything to protect their children and keep them safe,” Aquino said.