Vu Minh Duc, director general of the department of teachers and educational administrators at the ministry of education and training, on 20/9, said the incident at Dai Kim secondary school in Hanoi violated regulations on safe, healthy, and friendly learning environments and the prevention of school violence.

"This is a serious matter, affecting the safety and health of teachers, negatively impacting the educational environment and the tradition of respecting teachers," he said.

While emphasizing the need for serious disciplinary action, the ministry also recommended considering appropriate measures that balance discipline with rehabilitation for the student.

The Hanoi department of education and training was urged to review the incident and direct schools, particularly Dai Kim secondary school, to prioritize building safe environments. Schools should focus on educating students about legal compliance and respect for teachers and peers. They should also enhance counseling services to identify and address students exhibiting unusual psychological signs, working with families to provide appropriate care and education.

Vu Minh Duc, director general of the department of teachers and educational administrators at the ministry of education and training. Photo: MOET

Vu Minh Duc, director general of the department of teachers and educational administrators at the ministry of education and training. Photo: MOET

The incident, which circulated widely on social media yesterday, involved a 7th-grade male student assaulting his teacher. The school reported that on 16/9, around 3 p.m., the homeroom teacher of class 7A14 asked a female student to hand over a sharp toy. The male student, who owned the toy, intervened, pulling the teacher's hair, pinning her head down, and eventually knocking her to the ground. The altercation lasted about two minutes, ending when the student retrieved the toy.

The school met with the student's parents and required him to apologize to the teacher in front of the class immediately after the incident. The family then requested a 10-day suspension for the student, starting that day, for self-discipline, which the school granted.

"The teacher, understanding the student's adolescent age, has forgiven him. The local authorities and the school are working to resolve the situation so other students can continue their studies without disruption", a representative from Dinh Cong ward said on the afternoon of 19/9.

Regulations prohibit students from insulting the dignity, honor, or physical well-being of teachers. Violations can result in warnings, reprimands, written self-criticism, or suspension, typically for 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the severity.

However, new regulations effective from 31/10 stipulate the most severe disciplinary action for students is a written self-criticism with parental acknowledgment and commitment.

Thanh Hang