DepEd launches mental health hotline for students

Students having mental health problems may now receive help through a new hotline.

The Department of Education and the National Center for Mental Health launched on Monday, May 11 the enhanced Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline at General T. de Leon National High School in Valenzuela City.

The now-upgraded helpline is designed to be directly connected to the NCMH Crisis Hotline for quicker professional intervention for learners with mental health concerns.

The hotline is supported by PLDT contact center solutions, allowing callers to be instantly connected to NCMH specialists for expert crisis response.

Students may reach the Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline by calling #33733 (#DEPED), 0945-175-9777, or email weprotectlearners@deped.gov.ph.

“Under the leadership of President Marcos, every learner is important and we want them to feel that they are not alone, that there is someone always ready to listen to what they are going through,” DepEd Secretary Angara said during the event.

The launch is part of a nationwide rollout, with activities also held at schools in Iloilo City and Cagayan de Oro City.

The National Capital Region Police Office earlier recorded 111 cases of suicide from Jan. 1 to March 23, 2026.

Meanwhile, a 2025 World Health Organization report reveals that one in seven people aged 10 to 19 worldwide suffers from a mental disorder. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues remain the primary drivers of illness and disability among today's adolescents.