DAVAO CITY(December 12) — Violent discipline at home sharply reduces Filipino children’s odds of staying in school, with those exposed to parental violence at age 10 about 50% less likely to remain enrolled by their mid-teens, a new study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) shows.
The research, which tracked nearly 5,000 children nationwide, found that almost 40% of Filipino 10-year-olds experienced physical or emotional violence from a parent in just the previous six months — early harm that significantly affects mental health, behavior, and school engagement.
“For these children, home is where fear and harm begin,” said PIDS Project Technical Specialist Aaron Carlos Manuel during a public webinar, stressing how early experiences shape emotional regulation and learning readiness.
Violence persists as children grow, with rates remaining above 30% into early adolescence. This reflects global trends where roughly half of children worldwide experience some form of violence.
Exposure to violence also correlates with weaker learning foundations: one in four affected children scores low in math, reading, and science, and their average IQs are lower.
While overall enrollment remains high, those who drop out disproportionately come from violent households. The effect is seen across genders but is statistically stronger among boys.
Discussant Dr. Alejandro Herrin from the University of San Carlos called for improved measurement tools that capture intent and repetition, aligning with standards used in Philippine laws and international conventions. He also urged researchers to examine violence alongside bullying by peers and adults.
The study’s authors said early and sustained interventions — from positive parenting programs to stronger school and community support — are crucial.
Manuel emphasized the need for better data systems and tighter coordination among agencies like the DSWD and DILG to understand how violence shapes children’s learning paths.
