Following public outcry over inappropriate images in children's books, the Ministry of Education and Training has issued a statement.

Recently, images of children's book pages depicting data from textbooks have been circulating on social media, causing public outrage. The Ministry of Education and Training has issued a statement.

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son affirmed that there have been no cases of children's reference books containing inappropriate content being introduced into schools.

The Deputy Minister of Education and Training affirmed that there have been no cases of children's reference books containing inappropriate content being introduced into schools.

On the afternoon of November 4th, at the regular government press conference, the press asked the leaders of the Ministry of Education and Training to explain how the management of reference books and children's books is being implemented to prevent the leakage of inappropriate content.

Accordingly, images of children's book pages depicting data from textbooks have recently circulated on social media, causing negative public opinion. The Ministry of Education and Training has had to request relevant authorities to investigate and clarify the circulating information.

According to Deputy Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son, the Ministry has very strict regulations regarding textbooks, from standards and procedures to evaluation and selection. However, the scope for reference books and children's books is much broader.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that there are two issues here. Firstly, regarding publishing and distribution, reference books and children's books are published by publishing houses, and the Ministry of Information and Communications is responsible for state management. In terms of publishing, publishing houses are responsible for the content.

Secondly, regarding the use of these books in schools, primary and secondary schools, preschools, and continuing education centers, the Ministry of Education and Training recognizes that "regulations are needed to strengthen the state's management responsibility" in order to limit inappropriate content.

Since 2014, the Ministry of Education and Training has issued a circular on the use and management of reference books in schools. This circular clearly stipulates the conditions, requirements, and responsibilities of teachers, schools, and the Department of Education and Training in managing the use of any content that may be included in schools or school libraries, as well as books that parents may wish to use and for which the school may provide advice.

The standards and conditions stated herein are very clear, especially regarding the responsibilities of the school and the Department of Education and Training in inspection and supervision. If any content is found to be inappropriate, the use of those books will be discontinued.

"We have not found any cases where reference books introduced into schools contain inappropriate content," the Deputy Minister of Education and Training affirmed.

Recently, there have been several incidents, and this is not the first time, where some social media accounts and newspapers have photographed parts of books found somewhere on the market, either intentionally or unintentionally, to mislead people into believing that these are the contents of textbooks. Mr. Son believes this is very dangerous and has a very negative impact on the entire education system.

Deputy Minister Hoang Minh Son also requested that the press be mindful of verifying information, its source, identifying where it originated, and determining who is responsible.

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