Nearly 20% of Vietnamese Students Experience Bullying 'Several Times a Month': PISA Report

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025 report, released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), has revealed that approximately 20% of 15-year-old students in Vietnam experience bullying 'several times a month.' The survey, which involved 7,353 students from 194 secondary schools nationwide, highlights a concerning reality of school violence. PISA is an international assessment that evaluates the education systems of participating countries and economies by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students. Beyond academic performance, it also gathers data on students' learning environments and mental well-being. The findings on bullying in Vietnam underscore the significant challenges facing the country's educational sector. Vietnam has experienced remarkable economic growth in recent years, accompanied by increased investment in education. However, these survey results suggest that while economic development progresses, measures to protect the mental and physical health of students may not be keeping pace. Within Vietnam's one-party system, educational policies are government-led, but there is a need for more nuanced approaches that reflect ground-level realities. While Vietnam maintains strong economic ties with China, it also faces security concerns in its relationship with Beijing. However, the current findings focus on domestic social issues, particularly youth mental health and the educational environment, and should be understood in a separate context from direct relations with China. This report is expected to prompt the Vietnamese government to take more proactive measures against bullying and to foster an environment where students can learn without fear. It is imperative for schools, families, and society as a whole to strengthen efforts in preventing bullying and supporting its victims. Source: Nhan Dan