1. Essay Number 4
"Children are like buds on a branch, knowing how to eat, sleep, and study is what makes them well-behaved." (Ho Chi Minh)
Children, the future generation of our country, need the care and protection of those around them. Unfortunately, in today's society, cases of child abuse are still prevalent.
To understand, abuse occurs when a person uses offensive or aggressive words or actions to harm or degrade another, disregarding ethical and legal norms. These actions can cause deep emotional and physical trauma to the victims. Despite a more modern society, the lack of proper education has resulted in an increasing number of child abuse cases.
As the saying goes: "Spare the rod, spoil the child." This mindset is deeply ingrained, making physical punishment seem like an acceptable way to discipline children. Many parents believe that because they gave birth to their child, they have the right to discipline them, even if it means resorting to negative methods. Some even abandon their children. Recently, public outcry has been stirred by cases of newborns being abandoned in sewers or between walls, showing the deep indifference of some parents. This disregard for the sacred bond of motherhood can lead to fatal consequences for the children.
Abuse doesn't just happen within families; it can also occur in schools. Many people are familiar with the case of a teacher forcing a student to kneel and allowing classmates to slap them repeatedly. Abuse can also be psychological, through constant insults or threats, which create fear and lasting mental scars that hinder the child's development. These emotional wounds, unlike physical ones, might never fully heal.
Abuse is a deeply harmful act that needs to be condemned. Domestic abuse disrupts family harmony and undermines the stability of society, while abuse in society can affect the mental health, behavior, and outlook of individuals. We must all recognize the devastating effects of child abuse and take responsibility to protect and cherish children. It is a collective duty for families, schools, and communities to safeguard the well-being of children.
Children are to be loved and protected. Do not let your anger or mistakes destroy their childhood with violent actions.


2. Essay Number 5
Abuse is often perpetrated by individuals who have lost their sense of humanity, becoming cruel and devoid of any moral compass. What is even more tragic is that many of the abusers are the parents of the victims, the very people who should provide love and protection. These parents, instead of caring for their children, subject them to unimaginable physical and emotional torment, which is truly shameful. Numerous excuses are often given to law enforcement to justify these heinous acts, but these excuses only serve to deny responsibility and obscure the truth.
In recent times, public opinion has shifted in a strong and unified manner, expressing deep concern and outrage at these abuses. People have gone to great lengths to visit and comfort the victims, witnessing firsthand the bruised, battered bodies of children who have suffered at the hands of their abusers. When the authorities catch the perpetrators, they are quick to offer excuses, such as, "They were too stubborn, I beat them to teach them a lesson" (said by a couple running a shrimp farm in Ca Mau), or a mother claiming, "I hit them because they look like their father." Tragically, the abuse often arises from conflicts between parents, which leads them to take out their frustrations on their own children. There are even absurd cases where a mother locked her child in a dog cage to 'punish' them. Such acts are a disgrace to parenthood.
Children, who are still innocent and immature, cannot fully comprehend what is happening to them. They can only feel the pain from the beatings. Instead of receiving love and care, they are neglected and mistreated. They endure horrific abuse with objects like bamboo rods, ropes, brooms, and even boiling water or hot metal rods. These cruel actions must be condemned and punished accordingly.
The sad truth is that many of these abusers hide behind a facade of 'caring discipline,' which is nothing more than an excuse to conceal their cruelty. Even animals show more compassion for their young than these so-called parents. When cases of abuse go unnoticed for long periods, it is not just the perpetrators who are to blame, but also the bystanders who fail to speak up. Society's indifference only enables these tragedies to continue.
One particularly disturbing case was that of little Hao Anh from Dam Doi, Ca Mau. When the authorities discovered the abuse, the perpetrators (Giang and Tho) offered a bribe of 1,000,000 VND to the child's mother in exchange for dropping the charges. When that didn't work, they offered 20,000,000 VND. This shocking behavior illustrates just how depraved and soulless some individuals can become.
In Vietnam, the Child Protection Law has been in effect since 1991, outlining the basic rights of children and prohibiting any acts that harm their physical or mental health. However, there are few cases where abusers are adequately punished, and many times, the justice system only pays lip service to the issue.
The law must be enforced strictly in everyday life, and abusers must be held accountable. Only then can we reduce the increasing instances of child abuse, ensuring that children can grow up in an environment filled with love and joy. If not, the physical and emotional scars will follow them throughout their lives, haunting them forever.


3. Essay Number 6
Family is supposed to be a safe haven, a nurturing place where children grow and develop into responsible individuals. However, there is a heartbreaking reality occurring in many households: child abuse within the very homes where children should feel loved and protected. If we fail to intervene, we can't even imagine the lasting harm these innocent children will endure and what their future may hold.
Abuse is the violation of both the physical and mental well-being of an individual. In the case of child abuse within families, it involves parents or other family members using harmful actions against a child, whether it be physical punishment, neglect, or verbal abuse. This could be physical violence from biological parents or even the emotional neglect or cruelty exhibited by stepparents toward their stepchildren.
Sadly, child abuse is on the rise. Each day, the media report more stories of children suffering at the hands of their caregivers. One particularly tragic case involved a 10-year-old child named G.K. (identity hidden), who was brutally beaten by her biological father and stepmother in Hanoi. She was hospitalized with fractured ribs and a cracked skull after enduring prolonged abuse. Unable to bear the constant violence, she fled to seek help from her grandfather. This is just one of the many heartbreaking stories that occur daily.
Child abuse is a heinous crime, especially when the victims are helpless, innocent children. The physical scars left on their bodies are painful, but the psychological wounds can be even more devastating. For example, G.K.'s physical injuries—broken ribs and a fractured skull—not only jeopardized her health at that moment but could have long-term consequences on her physical growth. If left untreated, children like her might never develop properly like other children. The emotional trauma caused by repeated abuse is even more harmful. Instead of laughing, playing, and running like other children, they live in constant fear of beatings, insults, and neglect. This creates lasting emotional scars, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. As these children grow older, they may struggle with social interactions and, in some cases, could even become perpetrators of violence themselves. Ultimately, those who commit these acts will face legal consequences and societal condemnation, and their own consciences will haunt them for the rest of their lives.
There are many reasons behind such tragic incidents. Often, it is the result of parents' substance abuse, causing them to lose control. It may also stem from financial struggles, work pressure, or a lack of education, making people more likely to act impulsively. In some cases, stepparents harbor jealousy or resentment towards their partner's children, mistreating them for reasons that are both selfish and unjust.
In response to these issues, we must take immediate action to reduce and prevent child abuse. If we witness abuse, we must report it to the authorities immediately to prevent further harm. Parents and caregivers must be educated on how to show love and patience toward children. Couples should carefully consider having children and provide a stable environment to meet their children's needs. If faced with difficult decisions, such as divorce or early marriages, parents must think about the well-being of their children above all else.
Children are like buds on a branch, full of potential to shape the future of our country. We must protect them and provide them with the care they deserve. Let us ensure that child abuse within families does not rob them of their future happiness.


4. Essay Number 1
Children are the future of our nation, fragile beings who need protection and care. However, a troubling issue has emerged in society today: child abuse, which has become a growing concern and a source of widespread outrage. This problem is on the rise, prompting deep reflection and concern from the public.
So, what exactly is abuse? Abuse consists of violent, oppressive, and sometimes cruel actions and words. It includes insults, humiliation, bullying, and physical torment that harm both the body and the mind. Child abuse refers to these inhumane acts committed against children.
Across the globe and in Vietnam, recent years have seen a disturbing increase in child abuse cases. These incidents occur in a variety of settings, including schools, restaurants, and even within families. In China, a shocking incident occurred when a seventh-grade student tragically passed away after suffering continuous mistreatment by a teacher who targeted her for taking naps due to a heart condition. This cruelty culminated in a fatal seizure after the teacher struck her in the back while she was asleep.
In 2020, Vietnam saw a series of distressing abuse cases that shocked the nation. Early in the year, a man in Lai Hoa, Soc Trang province, brutally tied and beat his six-year-old daughter. Mid-year, a horrifying video surfaced on social media, showing a father tying up and beating his own six-year-old daughter with a stick, kicking her repeatedly in a violent display. Statistics show that, on average, over 2,000 children in Vietnam are seriously abused each year, with 65.88% of these cases involving family members.
Child abuse does not always manifest as physical violence. It can also be a form of psychological abuse, such as verbal insults, threats, and terrorizing a child's mental well-being. This form of abuse leaves no physical marks but is just as prevalent and damaging in society today.
What causes abuse? The root causes can range from the cruelty and degeneration of moral character in individuals to personal frustrations. Some abusers may have been victims themselves in childhood or are under immense pressure in life. Regardless of the cause, abuse is always an inhumane, morally corrupt act that violates the law and basic principles of decency.
The consequences of this social ill are severe. For the abused child, the harm is both physical and emotional. Psychological research in Vietnam shows that child abuse leads to detrimental effects, including poor physical development, stunted growth, and deep emotional trauma. Children often become shy, withdrawn, and prone to depression or behavioral disorders. When raised in an abusive environment, children may internalize negative thoughts and develop warped ideas. As they grow older, some may even become perpetrators of violence themselves, leading to further social harm.
Given the risks posed by child abuse, it is imperative that families, society, and individuals take responsibility. First, public awareness must be raised, and families, schools, and communities should be made aware of the consequences of violence against children. Parents should receive support in child-rearing, and a stronger collaboration between families, schools, and communities is essential to protecting children. Parents must set a good example for their children and provide them with love and care. Society must not remain indifferent or apathetic toward child abuse.
A child’s character begins to take shape from a very young age. The responsibility of nurturing and protecting children to ensure their healthy development falls on all of us. Let’s work together for a brighter future for these young buds, the leaders of tomorrow.


5. Essay Number 2
Children are the budding future of our country. Yet, despite their importance, child abuse still persists in various corners of the world. This alarming reality serves as a wake-up call, urging society to reevaluate its priorities and shift focus towards better protecting and nurturing children.
Recently, the media has been flooded with news of horrific child abuse incidents, occurring in a variety of environments: within families, businesses, and even schools. What is even more tragic is that children are not only subjected to physical abuse but also to severe emotional trauma. Physical abuse manifests in acts such as forced labor, beatings, and general mistreatment. One widely reported case involved a four-year-old girl named Hảo, who was brutally punished by her own mother. The mother confessed to cutting her daughter's finger with scissors as a warning after she was caught playing with money. On another occasion, when the girl fell while climbing a tree, her mother used a knife to punish her by severing one of her toes. The physical harm left the child deeply scarred, both physically and emotionally, as she faced neglect and abuse from the one person she should have trusted most. Hảo suffered 41% disability, her body marked with countless wounds. In another case, a young girl named Bình, just 15 or 16 years old, was forced to work in a pho shop, where she was subjected to regular physical abuse. In schools, incidents of child abuse are also evident, such as a teacher taping a student's mouth shut simply because they cried too loudly.
"Children are like buds on branches," but some of these fragile buds are not only crushed but also demeaned and disrespected. This form of abuse is mental, affecting the child's dignity and self-worth. One example reported in the media tells of a teacher who insulted a student, saying, "Your father is stupid, your mother is stupid, so that's why you're stupid too!" This harsh remark dug deeply into the child's soul, leaving an indelible emotional scar. The teacher even mocked the child in front of the class, ridiculing them as a bad example. What the teacher didn't know was that the child came from an extremely poor family, with a father working as a cyclo driver and a mother selling scrap, and the student had to shoulder the responsibility of caring for three younger siblings. These circumstances led to poor academic performance, but the teacher failed to show any understanding or compassion.
From a subjective perspective, the innocence and purity of children are not at fault. The true cause of abuse lies with the perpetrators, individuals who have lost their moral compass, lacked love for children, and had a misguided approach to education. Especially in cases where parents, who should be the child's greatest protectors, instead become the abusers. It is unfathomable that a parent would act in such a way. "Even a tiger wouldn’t harm its own cubs," yet these individuals inflict harm on their own flesh and blood. Some perpetrators may be unaware of the laws or have misguided beliefs about parenting, such as the idea that children must be disciplined harshly in order to teach them.
However, societal factors also play a role. The rights of children are not always adequately protected or respected. Many people still adopt a passive attitude toward child abuse, turning a blind eye to the suffering of children. A glaring example is the case of Bình, who had been abused for over ten years by the owner of a pho shop, and it wasn’t until much later that local authorities became aware of the situation. It remains unclear how many witnesses turned a blind eye to her suffering during those years.
Child abuse has profound negative effects, both on individual children and society as a whole. It is a sign of moral decline, a betrayal of the core values of our nation, which advocates for kindness and mutual care, as seen in the sayings, "Treat others as you would treat yourself" and "Help each other out, even if we're different."
Vietnam was the first country in Asia to sign the Convention on the Rights of the Child. As citizens, we must uphold and honor this commitment. Both the legal system and society must come together to condemn child abuse, with the media and legal bodies taking active roles in raising awareness and educating the public about children's rights. Organizations dedicated to protecting children's welfare must raise their voices, creating a powerful wave of action against child abuse.


6. Essay Number 3
Our ancestors once said:
"Spare the rod and spoil the child;"
It seems this mindset has contributed to a growing social issue: child abuse.
Abuse occurs when individuals make hurtful statements or perform violent acts that humiliate, insult, or physically harm others, disregarding moral and legal boundaries. Child abuse within the family refers to actions by parents or relatives that harm a child's body or mind. This can include physical violence, abandonment, or even verbal insults that damage a child’s emotional wellbeing.
Society has witnessed numerous heart-wrenching incidents of newborns abandoned in the most callous ways—discarded in sewers or wedged between walls. These shocking acts reveal a profound neglect of the most sacred bond: the bond between a mother and her child. The result is not only emotional trauma but also potential risks to the child’s survival.
Abuse is not confined to the family environment. It can also manifest in schools, taking many forms. One infamous case involved a preschool teacher who violently dunked a girl’s head into a bucket of water to force her to eat. In another incident, a teacher punished students by making them kneel while their classmates slapped them repeatedly.
All forms of abuse, whether physical or emotional, leave lasting scars on children. Abused children often suffer from psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, fear, insomnia, a lack of confidence, and hostility. These children are more prone to aggressive behavior, including violent tendencies and antisocial attitudes. Shockingly, many children who grew up witnessing domestic violence repeat the same patterns as adults. According to data from the Committee on Population, Family, and Children, 80% of children who run away or commit crimes are victims of abuse. Physical wounds may heal, but the psychological damage remains much harder to overcome.
Therefore, it is essential for each of us to speak out strongly against abuse and report it when we witness it. The government must implement strict laws to punish those who harm children. Protection policies should be strengthened, and educational institutions must focus on training teachers who demonstrate proper care, respect, and communication skills with their students. Eradicating deep-rooted cultural norms is a challenging task, but it is necessary if we are to create a more civilized society.
Children should always be the primary concern of a nation. Let us work together to protect them from the dangers of abuse, allowing them to grow in a healthy and well-rounded environment, free from harm.


