What to do when a 'friend,' neighbor, or coworker bullies you

Have you ever experienced being bullied?

Bullying may be far more commonplace than we think, and many of us might even be experiencing forms of it without realizing it.

According to estimates by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), one out of every three students worldwide experiences being bullied at school every month. In a school of 300 students, that translates to roughly 100 learners facing bullying month after month.

"Over 36% of learners experience a physical fight with their peers, and almost one in three has been physically attacked at least once in a year," UNESCO reported.

The situation is equally alarming among adults. A global joint study by the United Nations’ International Labour Organization (ILO), Lloyd’s Register Foundation, and Gallup revealed that 22.8% of employed individuals worldwide have experienced workplace harassment or violence—meaning nearly 20 out of every 100 workers face some form of bullying in their professional lives.

What Is Bullying?

According to StopBullying.gov, bullying is generally categorized into three main types:

Verbal Bullying: Name-calling, teasing, taunting, threatening harm, or making inappropriate sexual comments.

Social Bullying: Actions aimed at hurting someone’s reputation or relationships, such as spreading lies or rumors, publicly embarrassing someone, or intentionally excluding them.

Physical Bullying: Actions involving physical harm to a person or damage to their possessions, including hitting, kicking, pinching, spitting, pushing, and other aggressive behaviors.

Cyberbullying

The organization STOMP Out Bullying defines cyberbullying as bullying conducted through digital means, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones. 

It involves using emails, websites, chat rooms, messaging apps, and social media platforms to torment, harass, or humiliate someone—often by spreading negative and false statements online.

However, sharing factual and properly documented statements about an individual is not considered cyberbullying.

According to Respicio Law Office, the key difference lies in intent and delivery. 

A genuine warning is rooted in verifiable facts and presented respectfully. In contrast, online bullying is carried out recklessly with the sole intent of damaging a person's reputation.

What to Do When Faced with Bullying

If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, there are legal protections and institutional avenues available in the Philippines:

1. In the Community

If you experience bullying, harassment, or physical threats within your neighborhood, reach out to:

Barangay Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Desk / Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC)

Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD)

Child Protection / Child Welfare Services: Call the DSWD Hotline at 1393 or contact your local City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

2. In School

Bullying in basic education (elementary and high school) is governed by Republic Act No. 10627 (The Anti-Bullying Act of 2013).

School Administration and Guidance Office: Under RA 10627, all schools are mandated to establish Anti-Bullying Policies, clear reporting procedures, and disciplinary measures.

Child Protection Committee (CPC): Every school is required to maintain a CPC to address cases of bullying, child abuse, and safety concerns.

Department of Education (DepEd): If a school fails to take appropriate action, report directly via email at lrpo@deped.gov.ph or call (02) 8637-4966.

Higher Education (Colleges & Universities): Report incidents to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), the Dean's Office, or the University Guidance Center under the school’s Student Code of Conduct and the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313).

3. In the Workplace

Workplace harassment, intimidation, and public humiliation are prohibited under labor standards and the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313).

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): Workers can contact the DOLE Hotline at 1349 to report workplace harassment, unfair treatment, or unsafe environments.

4. On Social Media and Online Platforms

Online harassment, defamation, and cyberbullying are covered under Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) and the Safe Spaces Act.

PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG): Call 0998-598-8178, (02) 8723-0401 ext. 5313, or email acg@pnp.gov.ph.

NBI Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD): Email ccd@nbi.gov.ph or call (02) 8523-8231.

In-App Safety Tools: Report, block, or restrict abusive accounts directly on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok using their integrated safety centers.

National Privacy Commission (NPC): If cyberbullying involves the non-consensual sharing of personal data, photos, or private information, email info@privacy.gov.ph.

5. Mental Health and Crisis Support

Bullying can take a severe toll on emotional and psychological well-being. Immediate support is available through:

National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline:

Landline: 1553 (Toll-Free)

Mobile: 0917-899-8727 / 0966-351-4518

Hopeline Philippines: (02) 8804-4673 / 0917-558-4673

In Touch Community Services: (02) 8893-7603 / 0917-800-1123

Perspectives on standing up to bullying

"People say sticks and stones may break your bones, but names can never hurt you, but that's not true. Words can hurt. They hurt me. Things were said to me that I still haven't forgotten."

— Demi Lovato, Singer and Actress

“You will always be criticized and teased and bullied for things that make you different, but usually those things will be what set you apart. The things that set you apart from the pack, the things that you once thought were your weaknesses, will someday become your strengths.”   

— Taylor Swift, Singer-Songwriter

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

— Eleanor Roosevelt, Former US First Lady

"Our motto is when they go low, you go high.”

— Michelle Obama, Former US First Lady

Key observances against bullying

World Day of Bullying Prevention: Every first Monday of October (October 5, 2026);

National Stop Bullying Day: Every second Wednesday in October (October 14, 2026);

International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, including Cyberbullying: Designated by UNESCO member states and celebrated every year on the first Thursday of November (November 5, 2026)

-Veronica Velarde-Pulumbarit / Paraluman News

Veronica is the Managing Editor of Paraluman News. Having navigated bullying at various stages of her life, she carries a guiding principle:

"Never be afraid to stand up to anybody when you are in the right and know that you are speaking the truth."

These words were spoken to her by her late father in high school and words that she lives by until now.

October 5 is World Day of Bullying Prevention.