The Ministry of Education and Training has requested education departments nationwide take measures to raise the ethical standard of teachers.

A teacher in class. 

The move was made following recent ethical violations by some teachers who were found to be physically and mentally abusing students. Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyễn Hữu Độ said this behaviour hurts children while negatively impacting the image of teachers and stirring concern within the education sector and in society as a whole.

Last month, a sixth grader in central Quảng Bình Province had to be hospitalised after he was repeatedly slapped in the face by his classmates as a punishment from his teacher for allegedly using foul language in class. He was hit 230 times.

Earlier last week, a primary school pupil in Hà Nội was reportedly slapped 50 times by his classmates under the teacher’s instruction.

The teaching staff needs to be aware of these ethical violations, which should be taken as a chance for each teacher and school to review their practices and adopt a professional code of ethics for teachers, the ministry said in a document sent to localities last week.

The ministry also asked for the establishment of inspection teams to examine whether schools are implementing the ministry’s directive on improving ethics for teachers.

In May, the ministry issued a directive on improving teachers which included the creation of a code of conduct for teachers.

Education establishments need to enhance management measures and supervise the implementation of regulations on ethics for teachers to prevent any physical and emotional abuse towards students, the ministry said.

They were also asked to organise training courses for teachers to improve their professional skills and teach them to handle different situations that may happen at schools. Schools were told to provide psychological assistance for both teachers and students when necessary.

At a working session with authorities of Quảng Bình Province last month, Minister Phùng Xuân Nhạ admitted that violence has been on the rise in schools, presenting a challenge for the education sector.

“Following the incident in Quảng Bình, the ministry will intensify the fight against school violence by sending instructions to all schools nationwide,” he said. “The ministry will also conduct surveys to find the real causes of school violence to take appropriate measures.” — VNS