Parents who compel their children or other family members to study excessively could face fines of VND5–10 million (US$200–400), according to a new government decree set to take effect on Dec.15.
The decree also requires offenders to issue a formal apology to the affected person if requested, either directly or publicly through the media. This marks the first time Vietnam has made “forcing a family member to overstudy” a punishable offense.
Under the same regulation, individuals who prevent family members from meeting relatives, discriminate against them based on gender, appearance, or ability, or insult their dignity will face fines of VND5–10 million.
The fines increase to VND10-20 million for anyone forcing family members to witness violent acts against people or animals to cause constant psychological distress or listen to, watch or read violent or pornographic content.
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A student studies at home in Hanoi in Oct. 2025. Photo by Read/Nhat Minh |
Parents who fail to educate children to face fines of $800
Anyone failing to provide education for children in their family or care for pregnant women, mothers with children aged under three, people with disabilities, or seniors face similar fines of VND10-20 million ($400-800).
Anyone who forces family members to overwork or contribute financially beyond their means or controls their assets or income to create material or psychological dependence will be fined VND 20-30 million ($800-1000).
The decree sets the maximum fine for violations to domestic violence prevention at VND30 million for individuals and VND60 million ($2000) for organizations.
In 2023 there were more than 3,100 complaints of domestic violence, the most common being physical and psychological followed by economic and sexual.
According to the Supreme People’s Court, between July 2023 and April 2025, more than 405,000 domestic violence cases were brought to trial and nearly 342,000 divorce cases were linked to domestic violence.
