Teachers’ Awareness on Child Protection Policies and School Responsiveness

This study aimed to determine the level of teachers’ awareness of the Child Protection Policy (CPP) and the school’s level of responsiveness to its implementation. Specifically, it sought to: (1) describe the respondents’ profile in terms of age, position, and tenure; (2) assess their level of awareness of the CPP; (3) evaluate the school’s responsiveness to the policy; and (4) examine the relationship between teachers’ awareness, demographic profile, and school responsiveness. Utilizing a descriptive research design, the study employed a survey questionnaire as its primary data-gathering tool. Frequency and percentage were used to describe the respondents’ profile, while mean and standard deviation determined levels of awareness and responsiveness. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and Spearman's Rho were applied to test relationships among variables. Findings revealed that most respondents were young teachers aged 18–22 years, holding the position of Teacher I, and serving for more than ten years. Teachers were found to be highly aware of the CPP, particularly its legal foundations and provisions under the 1987 Philippine Constitution and DepEd Orders protecting children from all forms of abuse, violence, discrimination, and bullying. Similarly, schools were perceived as highly responsive, with active child protection committees and information dissemination programs. Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between teachers’ demographic profiles and their level of awareness; however, a significant positive relationship was found between teachers’ awareness and the school’s responsiveness. The study concludes that greater teacher awareness enhances institutional responsiveness to child protection measures, ensuring safer and more child-centered learning environments.