In the 2024-2025 academic year, there were 32 reported cases of school violence across the province. Of these, 17 were subject to criminal proceedings, 11 received administrative penalties, and four involved warnings and internal reviews. Victims of school violence often suffer from psychological effects such as anxiety, fear, lack of confidence, and even negative thoughts. Many begin skipping school, leading to a decline in academic performance, social withdrawal from peers and teachers, and a loss of confidence.

The root causes of school violence include the emotional and physiological changes adolescents experience during puberty, which may lead to impulsive behaviour, strong emotional reactions, and conflicts even over minor incidents. Additionally, domestic violence against students, a lack of parental care and guidance, overemphasis on academic performance while neglecting children's emotional needs, unhappy family environments, and divorced parents can also contribute. Exposure to violent or harmful content on social media and the internet further exerts psychological pressure, often encouraging imitative behaviour.

In the past school year, the education sector organised 21 professional training sessions that integrated school violence prevention for staff and teachers; 525 legal education events; and 187 law-themed competitions in schools. A total of 407 educational institutions developed and implemented codes of conduct; 19,500 staff and teachers, along with 158,000 students, signed commitments to comply with regulations on preventing school violence and refraining from social evils. More than 700 experiential activities and life skills sessions were conducted for 198,000 students, focusing on personal safety and self-protection. Additionally, many schools invested in nearly 1,000 surveillance cameras installed in key areas such as school gates, fences, and dining halls to enhance overall campus safety.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Son La provincial Boarding High School for Ethnic Minorities has 825 students, all of whom reside on campus. As such, preventing school violence and social evils is a top priority. Hoang Thi Ngoc, Secretary of the school’s Youth Union, shared: “We maintain the model 'Youth Self-Management for Security and Order' and promote the movement 'Three No’s, Three Keeps': No crime, no social evils, no violations of cultural norms; Keep people, keep property, keep compassion. Surveillance cameras have been installed in student dormitories and classrooms. Through these models and clubs, we are able to promptly identify and resolve student conflicts, building a safe and happy school.”

In addition, the health sector has collaborated with the education sector and law enforcement forces to receive and handle reports of school violence, screen and treat affected students, and provide psychological counseling and health care. Medical assessments for cases of student violence are also conducted upon request by judicial agencies. Direct awareness campaigns are organised at secondary and high schools, focusing on the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, and mental health counseling is provided for students.

Nguyen Chi Chung, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training, emphasised that in the coming time, the sector will further strengthen awareness-raising efforts for staff, teachers, students, and parents about the prevention of school violence. Schools will be instructed to discipline students based on the severity of each case, using disciplinary actions that are both constructive and educational.

“We will also evaluate the responsibilities of teachers and staff in managing students and preventing violence. Practical extracurricular activities will be organized to develop life skills appropriate to students’ age and psychology, especially skills for recognising and responding to school violence,” he said.

He also mentioned continued coordination with the provincial police to effectively implement the movement “All People Protect National Security,” aiming to build educational institutions that meet the standards of “Safety in Security and Order.” Authorities will continue to follow procedures for detecting, verifying, investigating, and addressing school violence and other social evils in accordance with the law.

Alongside the involvement of authorities, it is essential for every parent and family to care for their children not only in terms of academic results but also their thoughts and emotions. Parents must be their children's companions, ensuring that they do not suffer school violence in silence. Most importantly, fostering a non-violent family culture will help children develop healthy lifestyles and personal values, equipping them with the necessary skills to prevent and cope with school violence.