Tutoring Center Suspended After Student Allegedly Beaten by Tutor in Vietnam

A disturbing incident has emerged from Dong Thap province, Vietnam, where a 7th-grade student reportedly suffered physical abuse at a private tutoring center. The alleged assault occurred after the student, identified as B., removed a rubber anti-scratch pad from a chair, mistaking it for gum.

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The incident did not happen entirely as the family reported and I affirm that 'the incident was not that serious'.

According to the student's grandmother, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, the tutor, Mr. Nguyen An Phong, used a prepared tree branch to strike B. repeatedly on the back, head, and arms, causing significant bruising and a lump on his head. The family claims that despite their attempts to apologize, the tutor resorted to physical punishment.

Mr. Phong, however, disputes the severity of the incident, stating he only used 'one or two cây' (a few strikes) on the student's buttocks as a disciplinary measure. He suggested that other bruises might have resulted from the student's interactions with peers outside the classroom. The incident has prompted swift action from local authorities.

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I only hit 'one or two cây' on the buttocks to discipline him.

The People's Committee of Dao Thanh Ward has issued a decision to temporarily suspend the tutoring center's educational activities. This suspension will remain in effect until a formal conclusion is reached by the relevant authorities and assurances of safety in educational operations are met. The case is currently under investigation, highlighting concerns about educator conduct and student safety within private tutoring establishments in Vietnam.

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The decision also states the reason for suspension: due to a complaint from parents during tutoring, violating regulations on teacher ethics and ensuring safety in educational activities.