Authorities in Ben Cat Ward confirmed on April 16 that the teacher, identified as L.T.M., 36, homeroom teacher of class 3.6 at Luong The Vinh Primary School, had been temporarily removed from teaching duties pending further investigation.

The incident first came to light on April 15, when posts circulated on social media from parents claiming that students who violated classroom rules were punished by being told to use a syringe to prick their own hands.

One parent said her third-grade child returned home on April 13 appearing tired and upset. Initially, she assumed it was a typical disciplinary matter. However, the following day, she learned that several students in the class had been punished with a syringe. After further questioning, her child admitted being subjected to the same punishment for forgetting to wear a scarf to class.

According to the school’s findings, five students were involved.

During a meeting with parents and school administrators, the teacher acknowledged that she had brought unused syringes to class, originally purchased for her sick child. She placed them on the table and told students that anyone who misbehaved should use the syringe on themselves, insisting she would not do it for them.

The school described the act as a serious violation of professional ethics, infringing upon the physical integrity and rights of children. A formal report has been filed as the basis for disciplinary action.

Following the incident, the school coordinated with parents and medical staff to take the affected students to a hospital for blood tests, screening for risks such as HIV and hepatitis B. All related medical costs are being covered by the teacher.

Local authorities have directed relevant departments to clarify the nature and extent of the violation and ensure appropriate disciplinary measures are taken in accordance with regulations.

Beyond the immediate case, the incident has sparked broader debate about discipline in schools and the boundaries that must never be crossed.

Education experts stress that such actions are not only unacceptable but also reveal deeper issues in how discipline and authority are perceived.

Nguyen Hong Thuy, a primary school teacher in Hanoi, said the case highlights a gap in teaching children about personal safety and boundaries.

“At the primary level, children are taught to obey and respect teachers, which is important for building discipline. But it can also lead to blind trust, where students follow instructions without questioning them, even when those instructions are harmful,” she said.

This mindset, she noted, can make children vulnerable to dangerous situations, as they may feel compelled to comply simply because the request comes from a teacher.

Experts argue that alongside teaching obedience, children must also learn that there are limits, especially when it comes to their own safety. Any request that causes pain, fear, or harm should be refused, regardless of who makes it.

“They need to be empowered to say no clearly and seek help from trusted adults,” Thuy said.

Le Thi Thu Ha, Director of the Center for Children and Development under the Vietnam Association for Protection of Child Rights, added that children’s silence in such situations is common, largely due to fear and a lack of safe spaces to express themselves.

“If families and schools do not create an environment where children feel safe to speak up, they will remain silent even when facing harm,” she said.

Psychology expert Nguyen Tung Lam emphasized that while teaching children to recognize and respond to unsafe situations is important, responsibility cannot be placed solely on them.

“The core issue lies with adults,” he said. “Punishments that involve physical harm or psychological distress go against the most basic principles of education. These are boundaries that teachers must never cross.”

He added that any form of punishment already prohibited in schools cannot be justified under any circumstances, as it not only causes physical harm but may also leave lasting psychological effects.

Instead of instilling fear, educators must guide students to understand their mistakes and adjust their behavior in a supportive and respectful manner.

The incident, while isolated, has become a stark reminder that safeguarding children requires vigilance from both schools and families, as well as a firm commitment to ethical standards in education.

Xuan An - Thuy Nga