Title: Awareness of the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) on Gender-Based Sexual Harassment Among Grade 12 Students in Selected Public Schools of Lanao del Norte: Basis for a Proposed Action Plan
Authors: Nassem D. Sarangani
Volume: 10
Issue: 6
Pages: 174-190
Publication Date: 2026/06/28
Abstract:
This study aimed to determine the level of awareness of the provisions of Republic Act No. 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act or "Bawal Bastos Law," on gender-based sexual harassment among Grade 12 students in three selected public high schools in Lanao del Norte: Abuno National High School, Poona Piagapo National High School, and Pantar National High School. Given their status as graduating senior high school students on the threshold of adulthood and community engagement, understanding their knowledge of the law is essential. Using a descriptive quantitative research design, the study surveyed 90 Grade 12 students across different academic tracks to evaluate their awareness of gender-based sexual harassment in terms of its concept and scope, acts constituting such harassment in educational institutions, and gender-based online sexual harassment. Statistical analyses, including frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson's Chi-Square Test, were conducted to determine the level of awareness and to assess whether there is a significant relationship between respondents' profile and their awareness based on sex, age, and academic program. Findings indicate a generally moderate awareness of RA 11313 among respondents, with an overall weighted mean of 3.0385 (categorized as "Moderately Aware"). However, no significant relationship was found between any of the demographic variables and awareness levels, suggesting that current information dissemination efforts have reached students uniformly across all groups. Conversely, variations in awareness were observed across the three dimensions, with students showing higher awareness of specific prohibited acts such as sexual comments and jokes in school settings and unauthorized sharing of intimate images online, but lower awareness of transphobic and homophobic harassment and severe physical acts. These findings emphasize the importance of strengthening and sustaining awareness campaigns in public high schools, ensuring that students are well-informed about all forms of gender-based harassment. The study highlights the need for a proposed action plan that integrates Safe Spaces Act education into the school curriculum, enhances institutional mechanisms, and engages the broader school community to foster safer and more gender-sensitive learning environments.