Education officials in Ho Chi Minh City have proposed a citywide ban on supplementary classes after 8pm. The move is designed to protect student mental health, cut back on illegal tutoring practices, and promote healthier lifestyles for children. The city’s Department of Education and Training announced the proposal last Friday, saying it aims to address growing concerns about academic pressure and family time.
New Rule Targets Student Stress and Overcrowded Schedules
Ho Tan Minh, the chief of office at the city’s Department of Education and Training, said that long school hours—often from morning until late afternoon—already place a heavy burden on students. Many children attend extra evening lessons, which limits rest and family interaction. “Ending these classes by 8pm will give students more time to rest, recover, and enjoy life outside of academics,” Minh explained, as quoted by Viet Nam News.
Heavy traffic in Ho Chi Minh City, which often adds hours to daily commutes, further worsens students’ stress. For many families, the journey home from late-night tutoring classes can be long and tiring.
A Crackdown on Vietnam’s Private Tutoring Industry
This proposal is the latest in a series of efforts by Ho Chi Minh City to regulate its growing private tutoring sector. Over the last ten years, the city has introduced several policies to address academic overload, including:
- A ban on private tutoring for primary school students
- A requirement for teachers to teach thoroughly during regular school hours
- Warnings against teachers who pressure students into attending their private lessons
According to an official city database, around 1,300 registered tutoring centers operate in Ho Chi Minh City, with over 3,300 qualified teachers. However, local media reports that many centers continue to function illegally, without oversight or proper licenses.
Widespread Abuse and Financial Burdens
In December, city inspectors raided several unregistered tutoring centers, uncovering disturbing trends. One high school teacher was found tutoring 50 of her own students across three separate sessions—an act in violation of ethical teaching guidelines. Other staff members from the same school were also found conducting similar practices.
This type of abuse often forces parents into a difficult position. Many feel compelled to pay for tutoring to prevent their children from falling behind, especially when teachers appear to favor students who attend these extra classes. This creates both emotional and financial pressure on families—particularly those from lower-income households.
As one parent told VietNamNet, “We don’t want to send our children to extra classes, but we are afraid they’ll be treated unfairly if we don’t.”
Balancing Education and Well-Being
The city’s new proposal emerged after consultations with education experts, government departments, and parents. Officials believe that regulating class hours will promote a more balanced lifestyle and reduce dependence on after-hours lessons.
Vietnam’s education system is known for its rigorous curriculum and competitive exams. While this has produced strong academic results, it has also led to rising concerns about student well-being, sleep deprivation, and anxiety.
The education department now hopes to shift the focus toward quality over quantity. Teachers are being reminded of their responsibility to deliver full lessons during school hours, reducing the need for students to seek external help.
The Path Forward
The proposal to limit tutoring sessions will be submitted to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee for official approval. If passed, the new rule will apply to both registered and unregistered tutoring centers, and strict enforcement measures are expected to follow.
In the coming months, the city plans to expand its digital database, allowing parents to easily check the credentials of teachers and the legal status of tutorial centers.
This aligns with a broader national effort in Vietnam to reform the education system—making it more inclusive, ethical, and supportive of students’ mental health.
The push to ban tutoring classes after 8pm reflects a growing awareness in Vietnam about the importance of student well-being. As cities like Ho Chi Minh modernize and develop, officials say they must also prioritize the emotional health and personal growth of their youth.
