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Saturday, July 5, 2025
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Expert urges bullying prevention in early childhood education ahead of classes

An expert from a leading independent children’s organization has urged families to initiate bullying prevention in preschool and kindergarten, explaining that these are where young children first learn how to get along.

“The first five years of life are critical for shaping how a child manages emotions, expresses needs, builds relationships, and resolves conflicts,” Save the Children Philippines early childhood care and development (ECCD) technical advisor Joy Sampang said.

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“Children who learn empathy, communication, and respect in their earliest years are less likely to bully or be bullied, and more likely to include others and stand up for what’s right,” she added.

According to Save the Children Philippines, many young children in the country miss out on ECCD. It cited the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) 2019 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey, which found that about 78 percent of 3 to 4-year-olds were not attending child development centers, while 28 percent of 5-year-olds were not enrolled in kindergarten.

The organization explained that although kindergarten is compulsory, some parents believe their children are “too young” for school and may not fully understand its benefits.

“These missed opportunities mean fewer children are learning the basic social and emotional skills that help prevent bullying, like naming feelings, expressing boundaries and building friendships,” Sampang said.

Save the Children Philippines recommended five simple ways how families and ECCD workers can help prevent bullying before it takes place. Namely, these are to spot the signs, practice speaking up, connect with caring adults, keep the conversation going, and be the example they follow.

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