A physics lesson for students of class 12A6 at Vo Van Kiet High School (Ho Chi Minh City) in the 2024-2025 school year - Photo: NHU HUNG
On June 16, 2025, the National Assembly passed Law No. 73/2025 on Teachers - the first specialized law specifically for teachers in Vietnam, effective from January 1, 2026.
In the context of the increasing number of incidents of teachers being attacked on social media, the legalization of regulations protecting the honor and dignity of teachers is not only an important legal step but also lays the foundation for a transformation of behavioral culture throughout society.
The 2025 Law on Teachers contains clear provisions protecting the legitimate rights of teachers. According to point c, clause 2, Article 8, teachers have the right to be respected, to have their reputation, honor, and dignity protected; and to be treated equally in their professional activities and development. This is not just a declaration but is also concretized through regulations on handling violations.
Article 37 of the Law clearly stipulates the handling of violations that infringe upon the reputation, honor, and dignity of teachers. Organizations and individuals who insult teachers will be subject to disciplinary action, administrative penalties, or criminal prosecution depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
This creates a complete legal framework, ensuring teachers' rights are comprehensively protected.
More importantly, Article 36 on temporary suspension from teaching is particularly significant in protecting teachers from hasty judgments.
According to this regulation, during the period of disciplinary review and processing, the head of the educational institution may only decide to temporarily suspend a teacher from teaching if the teacher's continued teaching could hinder the disciplinary review and processing or affect the teacher's reputation and the students' morale. This prevents teachers from being "quickly punished" due to public pressure before the matter is clarified.
The question arises whether these regulations create a "shield" that discourages parents and students from reporting real wrongdoings? The answer lies in the spirit and content of the Law itself.
The Law on Teachers does not aim to "silence" legitimate opinions. Point b, Clause 3, Article 11 stipulates what organizations and individuals are prohibited from doing to teachers, including posting or disseminating information that makes accusations about the responsibilities of teachers in their professional activities before a conclusion has been reached by a competent authority. This regulation applies to all parties, not just parents or students.
In fact, when problems arise, Article 39 clearly stipulates the content of teacher management in educational institutions, including internal inspection and handling of complaints and denunciations against teachers. This means that parents and students have the right and are encouraged to report issues through the proper procedures and official channels of the school and educational management agencies.
The core difference is that the approach involves reflecting on facts through official channels instead of spreading unverified information on social media under the guise of seeking justice. This approach not only protects the rights of students but also ensures the right to reputational protection for teachers before the facts are clarified.
The Law on Teachers sets expectations for a comprehensive change in behavioral culture. Article 6 clearly outlines the State's policy on building and developing the teaching staff, emphasizing the protection of the reputation, honor, and dignity of teachers in their professional activities and prioritizing salaries and benefits for teachers.
From the school's perspective, Article 39 requires educational institutions to develop a teacher development plan and create a favorable and safe environment for teachers' professional activities.
This includes establishing mechanisms for receiving and processing feedback in a transparent and fair manner. Parents also need to change their perceptions. Instead of viewing teachers as adversaries, they should see them as partners in their children's journey.
According to Article 34, the awarding of commendations to teachers and individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the teaching staff is carried out in accordance with regulations. This encourages a culture of honoring and recognizing achievements instead of focusing solely on criticism.
Article 37 sets a legal barrier to unwarranted insults against teachers, especially online. However, this does not mean teachers are exempt from responsibility.
Article 11 clearly lists actions that teachers are prohibited from doing, ranging from discrimination to abusing their teaching position and professional activities to commit illegal acts. Teachers who commit wrongdoing will still be subject to strict disciplinary action under Article 35 on disciplinary action against teachers and Article 37 on handling violations.
But importantly, the process must go through formal, transparent procedures, ensuring the right to defense, and not through courts with subjective rulings based on inaccurate information.
The 2025 Law on Teachers is an important first step. To truly change the culture of behavior, coordinated efforts are needed.
According to Article 38, the Government uniformly manages state affairs concerning teachers, while the Ministry of Education and Training is the focal agency responsible to the Government. This coordination needs to be concretized through guiding documents and clear dissemination of information regarding the rights and obligations of all parties.
When the honor of teachers is legalized, it signals the maturity of society, demonstrating a balance between the right to feedback and the responsibility to respect, between supervision and trust.
School culture will change for the better, where everyone works together to build a healthy educational environment instead of wasting energy on pointless arguments.
Protecting the honor of teachers is protecting education. When teachers are respected, they will feel secure in dedicating themselves to their work. And that is what we all want for future generations.
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HOANG CHA
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/luat-hoa-danh-du-cho-nha-giao-20251120111420716.htm
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