A Plan Vietnam programme aimed at stopping children from being violently or emotionally punished in schools is to be introduced in schools across Quang Ngai province.

The prevention of Physical and Emotional Punishment (PEP) programme has been launched across the district to educate adults such as parents and teachers on the consequences of beating their children.

Teacher bullies

The first Plan workshop was in Son Ha district for teachers, parents, the media and government officials. A newspaper there had highlighted a serious case of bullying in a local school where a headmaster and several teachers had forcefully cut the hair of 200 students to just below their ears, despite the fact that long hair is a tradition in the region.

A parent said: "I was so angry when I found out that my son's hair had been cut. All men in our community have long hair. The students did nothing wrong."

At the workshop children performed a play about being beaten and neglected by their parents and schools. In recent research by a group of non-governmental organisations, more than 95% of children admitted they were abused by their parents, teachers or other adults.

Serious effects

After the workshop one headmaster said: "Many Vietnamese people believe in the saying 'Spare the rod - spoil the child', but we know that the rod is not making the child better. In fact, the long term effect on the children is very serious."

District Vice Chairman, Ding Van Ai said: “I never thought that children could do such wonderful things. Today I have seen it with my eyes, and believe that children can participate.”