Issues such as school violence, the harmful effects of tobacco, and the use of stimulants in schools were actively discussed by 306 child delegates at the second session of the 2024 “Children’s Parliament.” The delegates proposed solutions tailored to the adolescent age group and mindset.

Act together to protect children's safety

Nguyen Le Huyen Tran, a student from Le Loi Junior High School in Da Nang, shared that participating in this mock session was an opportunity for students to raise their voices about school violence and the use of stimulants, such as e-cigarettes. Tran highlighted the need for education paired with action, not only through lessons but also through real-life experiences and activities that help students understand the consequences of violence and drug use.

Tran and other delegates also suggested organising more workshops on life skills and enhancing school supervision in areas prone to e-cigarette use. They called for stricter disciplinary measures against violations and hoped that the Ministry of Education and Training would take further action to ensure student safety.

The mock session also welcomed contributions from other delegates, such as the proposal to establish free psychological counselling services in schools. The event provided children with a platform to express their concerns, with hopes that their voices would be not only heard but acted upon.

Children's opinions should be heard and respected.

The mock session of the “Children's Parliament” for the second time in 2024 was organised by the Central Youth Union, the Central Team Council in collaboration with the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Education and relevant agencies. The session was attended by 306 young delegates from various provinces and cities nationwide.

Ms. Nguyen Pham Duy Trang, Chairwoman of the Central Team Council and Head of the organising committee for the mock session, expressed her hope that the event would help convey a powerful message that children's opinions need to be taken into account and listened to by the National Assembly. Ms. Trang stated that this year's delegates, in addition to being excellent representatives in learning and training, also included representatives from disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. This marks a significant change compared to the first session held in 2023.

It is known that the topics of school violence, the prevention of the harmful effects of tobacco, and stimulants discussed in this session were chosen by the children themselves, demonstrating that these are issues of concern to children who wish for change. According to Ms. Nguyen Pham Duy Trang, in addition to creating a forum for children to voice their opinions, the session also reflects the interest of state agencies in the younger generation. "The participation of groups of children from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds in this year's session is a special highlight, ensuring that the voices of all children are heard and respected."

“Among all the proposed solutions, the delegates expressed a desire for support and collaboration from both families and schools. Suggestions such as increasing supervision in areas prone to violations or the need for strict disciplinary measures against acts that violate the health and safety of students received strong support from the delegates. The session concluded with a high consensus on the need to continue listening to and implementing children's opinions, opening hope for a healthier and safer school environment in the future,” Ms. Trang summarised.

Reporting by HUYNH LE - Translating by TRUC VY