Within just 20 days, two students in Thanh Hoa Province have died as a result of violent attacks by their peers. In response to this alarming situation, the provincial Department of Education and Training has issued an urgent directive to address and prevent school violence.

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The attack at Xuan Ha gas station (Quang Binh commune) resulted in a student's death. Photo: CTV

Ta Hong Luu, Acting Director of the Thanh Hoa Department of Education and Training, revealed that from the beginning of 2025 to November 5, there have been nine incidents of school violence reported in the province.

Three of these cases caused severe consequences, including two fatalities and one incident in which a female student at Nong Cong 2 High School suffered a fractured cervical vertebra and 23% permanent health impairment.

School violence grows increasingly severe and aggressive

According to Luu, the nature of school violence has become more complex and aggressive, going far beyond minor altercations.

Many incidents have involved dangerous weapons such as switchblades, steel pipes, and motorcycle helmets. Most conflicts stem from trivial disputes in class, teasing, or online arguments.

Disturbingly, instead of intervening, many bystanders encourage the violence, record videos, and post them online, further escalating the situation.

These incidents have caused serious physical harm, psychological trauma, and widespread concern in the community.

They have undermined school discipline and violated public safety regulations, tarnishing the image of educational institutions.

Luu cited a number of contributing factors, including students' lack of emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills, poor awareness of the consequences of violent behavior, and the negative influence of violent media content, games, and social media.

Some teachers and school staff lack the ability to detect and intervene early.

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Thanh Hoa Agricultural College, where a 10th-grade student was beaten to death by classmates in his classroom. Photo: CTV

Furthermore, due to the psychological volatility of adolescence and limited parental guidance caused by economic pressures, many students lack timely emotional support and direction.

In response, the Thanh Hoa education sector is implementing comprehensive measures to prevent and curb violence and foster a safe, positive school environment.

Efforts include intensified communication and education on ethics, lifestyle, and life skills for students.

Psychological counseling services are being enhanced, and homeroom teachers, youth union staff, and school counselors are tasked with identifying emotional and behavioral issues early on.

Increased cooperation between schools, families, and communities is also a key component of the prevention strategy.

The Department of Education and Training is also working with the provincial police and youth union to organize awareness campaigns and safety pledges. The goal is to promote the model of “safe, violence-free schools” and build a humane, student-centered educational environment.

One recent incident occurred at 8:50 AM on October 31 at Thanh Hoa Agricultural College. During a recess between classes, 10th grader N.T.A.T. (class DCN65B2, Industrial Electricity program - continuing education track) was sitting in his third-floor classroom when a group of 11th-grade students from a lower floor entered and attacked him. Despite receiving treatment, he passed away five days later.

In another case on October 17 around 11:30 AM, two students from Dang Thai Mai High School, L.Q.H. (class 12A8) and P.T.B.N. (class 11A9), encountered each other at Xuan Ha gas station in Quang Binh commune. After a verbal altercation, N. stabbed H. in the neck with a knife, resulting in H.’s death.

Le Duong