18/02/2026
"DepEd Rules on Smoking and Drinking in Schools"
๐ถFor public schools, the Department of Education (DepEd) maintains an absolute ban on smoking and drinking. These acts are not just considered "naughty behavior"; they are classified as serious disciplinary offenses that trigger a specific legal and "restorative" process.
๐ทHere are the specific guidelines for 2026:
โช1. Smoking and Va**ng (DepEd Order No. 48, s. 2016)
๐DepEd has a 100% Smoke-Free Policy. This is the most comprehensive to***co control policy in the Philippine government.
๐Absolute Ban: Smoking and the use of e-ci******es or vapes are strictly prohibited inside the school campus, in canteens, and even during school activities held outside the campus (like field trips).
๐100-Meter Rule: It is illegal for any store or individual to sell ci******es or vapes within 100 meters of the school's perimeter.
๐No "Smoking Areas": Public schools are prohibited from having designated smoking areas. The entire campus must be 100% smoke-free.
๐Monitoring: The Child Protection Committee (CPC) of the school is tasked with monitoring and reporting violations
โช2. Drinking Alcohol (DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012 &
Learner Discipline Manual)
๐ทAlcohol consumption is treated as a major infraction under the Learner Rights and Protection guidelines.
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Prohibition of Possession: Bringing alcohol into the campus, even if not consumed, is a violation.
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Classification: "Drinking intoxicants" or "entering school premises under the influence of liquor" is classified as a Serious or Grave Offense.
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Restorative Justice: Unlike old-school "punishment," DepEd now follows a Positive Discipline approach. Instead of just kicking a student out, the school must provide interventions like counseling.
โช3. What Happens If a Student is Caught?
๐ทIf a student is caught smoking or drinking, the school follows this standard disciplinary procedure:
โ1st Offense: Confiscation of items, mandatory parent-teacher conference, and referral to the Guidance Counselor for counseling.
โ2nd Offense: Suspension (usually 1โ3 days) and a required "Behavior Contract" signed by the student and parent.
โ3rd Offense & Beyond: Longer suspension or a recommendation for Expulsion (which requires approval from the Schools Division Superintendent).
โช4. The Role of the Child Protection Committee (CPC)
In every public school, the CPC is the primary body that handles these cases.
๐The CPC ensures that:
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Confidentiality is maintained to protect the student's reputation.
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Parents are immediately informed.
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Referrals are made if the student shows signs of addiction or substance abuse.
๐Important Distinction
โ๏ธIn Public Schools, these rules are strictly mandated by the Central Office. Public school teachers and principals cannot ignore a report of smoking or drinking; they are legally bound to document it in the school's "Incidents Report" or "Anecdotal Record."
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