Dr of Psychology Tran Thanh Nam, citing the figures, stressed that it is necessary to pay serious attention to the mental health of children of school age.

He said 50 percent of mental health problems start in adolescence. About 50 percent of dropouts have mental health problems and about 70 percent of young people in re-education schools or prisons have mental health problems.

Dang Hoang Minh from the Hanoi University of Education, a member of the Hanoi National University, said at a recent workshop that about 50 percent of children aged 14-15 have mental health problems, and the number of suicides is on the rise.

Most recently, the fact that Malaysian twins who were students at an international school in HCM City killed themselves has once again raised concern about mental health of students.

A research work found that 90 percent of those who commit suicide have signs of poor mental health but they sought mental health services too late. Studies show that cases of medical intervention for mental health problems could be up to 10 years late.

A research work found that 90 percent of those who commit suicide have signs of poor mental health but they sought mental health services too late. Studies show that cases of medical intervention for mental health problems could be up to 10 years late.

According to Nam, there are many causes for a student's mental trauma. One of them is the psychological trauma caused by the living and learning environment.

The things that put pressure on students include conflict between parents’ expectations and children’s wishes; conflict with friends and other social relationships (being isolated, bullied, direct or online violence); and conflict with teachers regarding learning methods and expected outcomes. In addition, other issues can also cause pressure such as personal physical health problems, legal problems or family financial risks.

Young people tend to spend more time on smartphones, social networks and online games. Therefore, they have less time to spend with friends, relatives and significant relations. Young people have less time to sleep, less opportunity to practice problem-solving skills, and less emotional control in real life.

This explains why children cannot seek help when they are at an impasse. Many of them are victims of bullying and abuse in social networks and feel that they cannot find a way out.

There is no full awareness of mental health in the community as well as policies so people are slow to seek out help. People still have prejudices about mental trauma. Many people still believe that people with mental health risks are dangerous, and cannot control their behavior.

Mai Lan

Miss International Vietnam teaches Japanese students how to model on stage

Tuong San, Vietnam’s representative at Miss International 2019, took part in an activity alongside Japanese students as part of the ongoing pageant in Japan, guiding them on how to perform whilst on the catwalk.

Will CCTV cameras help prevent school abuse in Vietnam?

While parents insist on installing cameras in classes to prevent school abuse, teachers argue that this will violate children’s rights and teachers’ privacy.