On 21/4, Ms. Hong Thanh, a parent of a 5th-grade student at Phan Chu Trinh Primary School in Phu Thanh ward, stated that she discovered the letters 10 days ago, noting their vulgar content.

"This is emotional abuse; I cannot believe 5th-grade students could use such language," Ms. Thanh said.

According to Ms. Thanh, the group isolated her daughter, then passed around several pieces of paper, with each student writing an insulting and abusive sentence. To avoid detection, each sentence included a code number instead of the writer's name. Since reading the letters, Ms. Thanh's daughter has felt ashamed and afraid of her friends finding out, leading her to want to quit school.

Ms. Thanh subsequently reported the incident to the school board, requesting an investigation, appropriate disciplinary measures, and a class transfer for her daughter. Additionally, she wants the offending students to apologize to her daughter in front of the school board and other involved parents as a deterrent.

The content of a letter insulting Ms. Thanh's daughter. *Photo: Parent provided*

Responding to VnExpress, Ms. Luong Thi Thanh Ly, principal of Phan Chu Trinh Primary School in Phu Thanh ward, confirmed the incident occurred in class 5/4. Among the 9 students involved, 4 directly wrote letters badmouthing the classmate, while others copied or read and then tore them up.

"I was also startled by the vulgar and insulting words in the letters, especially since this was a group that used to play together and all had good academic records," Ms. Ly said.

She stated that when questioned, the students shared they did not fully understand the meaning of the words they wrote, having learned them from social media. The principal acknowledged that the students violated school rules by writing insulting content and copying inappropriate language, and would therefore receive a poor conduct grade for April.

The school has requested the offending students to write a report and apologize to their classmate both in front of the class and privately. Regarding Ms. Thanh's demands, the principal believes they exceed the school's authority and disciplinary regulations.

"Other parents also disagree with Ms. Thanh's demands, arguing that repeated apologies would cause the students shame and self-consciousness," Ms. Ly said.

The written statements of the students involved in the incident. *Photo: Hoang Nguyen*

Circular 19 from the Ministry of Education and Training on student rewards and discipline stipulates that primary school students who violate school rules or the Education Law will be reminded or required to apologize. Secondary and high school students will be reminded, criticized, or required to write a self-assessment report.

Le Nguyen