The Supreme Court (SC) has held a school liable for its failure to address a bullying incident that occurred inside a classroom.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, the SC’s Second Division found Mother Goose Special School System, Inc. civilly liable for its negligence in handling a punching incident involving its students.

FACTS

During class hours, while their teacher was in the comfort room, two students punched a classmate for not returning a pencil. The victim reported the incident to the teacher, who, however, took no action.

A classmate who noticed the victim’s bruises reported the matter to their adviser. The adviser confronted the two students, who admitted to punching the victim.

The victim’s parents brought their child to the municipal health office for a medical examination. They later requested the school principal to investigate the incident; however, no action was taken.

The parents sent another letter requesting an investigation and questioned why the students were not penalized despite having admitted to punching their child.

The school eventually concluded that the incident was mere “teasing” or “rough play” and took no disciplinary action. Unsatisfied with the school’s response, the parents filed a complaint for damages against the school, the teachers, and the fathers of the offending students.

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) ruled that both the school and the teacher-in-charge were liable, noting that the incident occurred on school premises during class hours, at a time when the school was exercising parental authority and had the obligation to protect the victim from harm.

The Court of Appeals (CA) upheld the RTC’s ruling but cleared the teacher of liability.

The issue in the case was whether the school could be held liable for the incident.

RULING

The Supreme Court affirmed the CA’s decision, emphasizing that schools have a contractual obligation to provide a safe learning environment.

“Clearly, there is preponderant evidence to support a finding of gross negligence on the part of Mother Goose School. By failing to address the harm committed by one student against another and by negligently handling the punching incident after it had already happened, Mother Goose School failed to exercise the diligence of a good father of the family in providing a safe learning environment to its students,” the decision read.

Follow Tan Briones & Associates on LinkedIn for more legal updates and law-related articles.