Bullying, overcrowded rooms undermine students’ learning

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June 2, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Discussions conducted by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) with junior high school students revealed that overcrowded classrooms contribute to an unsafe learning environment, while bullying that escalates into physical violence and severe intimidation can drive some learners to skip school.

In a post on its official Facebook account, EDCOM 2 said it held focus group discussions with Grades 8 to 10 students from President Corazon C. Aquino High School in Port Area to evaluate the ongoing Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Summer Program and gather feedback from learners to help guide future education policies.

The commission found a “troubling culture of bullying and disruption during the regular school year when classrooms are overcrowded, contributing to a lack of a sense of safety in the school grounds.”

Students described regular classes as chaotic, with some classmates being noisy and disruptive, while others resort to bullying, hitting fellow students or taking their bags and ballpens. Some learners also reported being teased about their gender and severely mocked when they made mistakes while reading aloud.

“The students revealed that the bullying often escalates into coordinated physical violence and severe intimidation that drive some to absenteeism,” EDCOM 2 said.

Students also raised concerns about online bullying, including the posting on social media of stolen videos or photos taken inside comfort rooms.

“Alarmingly, students expressed a deep reluctance to report these incidents,” EDCOM 2 said, noting that interventions by teachers and guidance counselors are often viewed as ineffective because reprimands can trigger retaliation from aggressors.

In contrast, students described the ARAL summer classes as safer and more supportive.

While regular classes in their school typically have around 60 students, the summer program limits classes to a maximum of 10 learners.

According to the students, the smaller class size helps them focus, absorb lessons more effectively and ask questions without fear of ridicule from classmates.

Apart from bullying, learners cited overcrowding, poor ventilation and extreme heat as major obstacles to learning.

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee, for his part, stressed that students face challenges that go beyond academics.

“The experience of the students in Baseco, Tondo teaches us that our students are struggling not simply due to academic challenges, but because of various factors, including bullying,” he said.

“This tells us that as we continue refining the ARAL Program, we must bear in mind not only instilling academic rigor, but also supporting our students so they feel safe, psychologically and physically, in school,” he added.