Foreign Teacher Accused of Slapping Student in Vietnam

Photo courtesy of VN Express

A 10-year-old boy in central Vietnam was hospitalized with bruising and hearing issues after being allegedly slapped by his English tutor during a lesson at the tutor’s home. The incident occurred on May 23 in Quy Nhon, Gia Lai Province, at the residence of a 38-year-old foreign tutor who was conducting an unregistered tutoring service. The allegations surfaced when local authorities investigated the case.

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The boy's mother reported that the teacher's wife informed her about the alleged slap due to the child’s disobedience. Upon picking up her son, she noticed his right cheek was swollen, and he complained of a headache and ear ringing. Hospital evaluations revealed severe injuries consistent with a strong impact, and doctors are monitoring his hearing.

Prior to the incident, the boy reportedly touched the tutor with a toy, which led the tutor to throw the toy and slap the child, according to the mother’s statement. The family publicized the situation on May 24 through social media, leading local authorities to initiate an investigation. They have formally lodged a complaint with the police, asking for actions against both the assault and the unlicensed tutoring practice.

Private tutoring is widely practiced in Vietnam, with many families investing heavily in educational advancement, especially in English. The Vietnamese government has recently implemented stricter regulations on home-based tutoring services, requiring proper registration and disclosure of such activities.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 27 May 2026