Students Facing Isolation for Disrespect in Vietnamese Schools

New Measures to Address Student Misbehavior in Vietnam

Vietnam is considering new measures to address student misconduct, including assault and insults towards teachers and classmates. These changes are part of proposed amendments to a decree on administrative penalties, which the Ministry of Education and Training is currently seeking feedback on until October 16.

Under the new draft regulation, students who insult or harm others may face temporary isolation from the school environment or be transferred to specialized institutions for counseling. The goal is to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment while addressing the root causes of such behavior.

Key Provisions of the Draft Regulation

Students who insult the dignity or honor of or assault classmates, teachers, or other staff at school, but whose actions do not meet the threshold for criminal liability, will be fined between VND5 million (US$190) and VND10 million. They will also be required to publicly apologize unless the victim waives this requirement.

If the behavior negatively affects the safety and activities of the school, the student may be subject to one of the following measures:

  • Temporary isolation from the learning environment
  • Transfer to a specialized educational institution or an integrated education development support center
  • Placement in a facility for school counseling services, social work, or specialized healthcare for psychological and behavioral counseling, as recommended by the school and decided by the competent authority

The draft emphasizes that the application of these measures requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including the school, educational management agencies, the family, medical services, and the police if necessary. The authority to make the decision rests with the direct management agency or the local People's Committee at the commune or provincial level, as assigned.

Why the Changes Are Needed

Currently, the regulations only impose a fine of VND5 to 10 million and require a public apology. However, the Ministry of Education and Training has noted that incidents of students harming their peers, both mentally and physically, have been increasing.

The ministry believes that simply imposing fines and public apologies is insufficient to deter such behavior and does not address the risk of recurrence or the negative impact on the learning environment. For students who insult teachers, the current penalties are seen as too lenient and fail to provide opportunities for intervention and support.

A Balanced Approach

According to the ministry, the new regulations aim to balance strictness with safety for schools, while also being "humane and supportive" in correcting students' behavior. This approach creates a legal framework for schools and management agencies when handling complex situations, ensuring participation from various parties.

"The added regulations not only contribute to maintaining discipline and building a safe and healthy educational environment, but also reflect a humanistic approach, emphasizing education and support rather than purely punishment," the ministry stated.

Conclusion

These proposed changes represent a significant shift in how student misconduct is addressed in Vietnam. By introducing measures such as temporary isolation, transfer to specialized institutions, and increased collaboration between schools, families, and authorities, the government aims to create a safer and more supportive educational environment. The focus on education and support over punishment reflects a broader commitment to addressing the underlying issues that lead to student misbehavior.

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